HM Treasury

Dorneywood

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many times he has visited Dorneywood since becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Andrew Jones: The Chancellor’s official use of Dorneywood is declared in the quarterly transparency returns, found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

Taxation: Self-employed

Ian Murray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect on the NHS of changes to the IR35 regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: The Government monitors the impact of tax changes through communication with affected taxpayer groups. The Government conducted an impact assessment of the reforms to the off-payroll working rules for the whole of the public sector. Further information on the impact assessment can be found in the Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN), available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/off-payroll-working-in-the-public-sector-changes-to-the-intermediaries-legislation/off-payroll-working-in-the-public-sector-changes-to-the-intermediaries-legislation.

Pensions

Alex Cunningham: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on making it mandatory for all pension providers to provide relevant data to pensions dashboards.

Stephen Barclay: A pensions dashboard would show all of a person’s pension pots in one secure online location. A cross-section of the industry worked with HM Treasury to develop a working prototype. The successful demonstration of the prototype in April showed the feasibility of providing information from different pensions schemes in one place, and was met with enthusiasm by technology start-ups, financial advisors and the media. We are considering the next steps for the policy.

Treasury: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average number of bids received for each contract put out to tender by his Department was in each year since 2010.

Jon Trickett: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many contracts put out to tender by his Department have been (a) cancelled and (b) re-tendered in each year since 2010.

Jon Trickett: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of public procurement contracts his Department awarded through framework agreements in each year since 2010.

Andrew Jones: The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Taxation: Self-assessment

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what changes there have been to the number of tax returns submitted on time in the last 10 years.

Mel Stride: The information for the years to 31 January 2008 (Tax Return Year 2006-07) and 31 January 2009 (Tax Return Year 2007-08) has been archived. It would be disproportionately costly to provide the information for these years as it is not held in an accessible form. The information for the remaining years is as follows:  Filing Deadline31 Jan 201031 Jan 201131 Jan 201231 Jan 2013Tax Return Year2008-20092009-20102010-20112011-2012Filed on-time by 31 Jan8.57m8.64m9.45m9.61m% Filed on-time88%86%90%93%  Filing Deadline31 Jan 201431 Jan 201531 Jan 201631 Jan 2017Tax Return Year2012-20132013-20142014-20152015-2016Filed on-time by 31 Jan10.03m10.24m10.39m10.37m% Filed on-time93%92%92%93%

Office of Tax Simplification: Secondment

Jon Trickett: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 11 July 2017 to Question 3399, on Office of Tax Simplification: secondment, from which companies and organisations the nine secondments were; and how long each of those secondments lasted.

Mel Stride: The secondees to the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) since 2012, all of whom worked part-time with the OTS, came from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Grant Thornton, Deloitte, KPMG, and the University of Leicester. The secondments were all for periods of between 6 and 9 months, except for one secondee from Pricewaterhouse Coopers, who was with the OTS one day a week for two years during 2013-14 and 2014-15, and one secondee from Grant Thornton whose secondment is ongoing.

Members: Correspondence

Frank Field: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Permanent Secretary of HM Revenue and Customs plans to respond to the points raised in the letter from the hon. Member for Birkenhead of 15 November 2016 on tax avoidance and recruitment agencies.

Mel Stride: The Chief Executive of HM Revenue and Customs responded to the letter on 7th December 2016. A copy of the response has been placed in the House of Commons library.

Anderson Group

Frank Field: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect on the public purse of the liquidation of mini companies associated with the Anderson Group.

Mel Stride: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not comment on individual taxpayer cases. Where companies go into liquidation leaving unpaid debt to the Exchequer, HMRC will seek to maximise returns through use of its powers of recovery in appropriate cases, and by working closely with the liquidator.

Revenue and Customs: Staff

Graham P Jones: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many HM Revenue and Customs staff have been employed in each year since 2010.

Mel Stride: The number of HM Revenue and Customs staff employed in each year since 2010 (as of 31 March each year) is set out in the table below.31-Mar-10FTE70,700Headcount78,05731-Mar-11FTE66,881Headcount74,38031-Mar-12FTE66,373Headcount74,88631-Mar-13FTE64,342Headcount72,60031-Mar-14FTE60,918Headcount68,85131-Mar-15FTE56,330Headcount63,47031-Mar-16FTE58,621Headcount65,40231-Mar-17FTE60,704Headcount67,127 FTE – Full Time Equivalence

Revenue and Customs: Staff

Graham P Jones: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many HM Revenue and Customs staff working in tax investigations have been employed in each year since 2010.

Mel Stride: The number of staff employed in the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Criminal Investigation Directorate each year since 2010 (as at 31st March) is as follows: Financial YearStaffing Numbers2009/1019132010/1119672011/1224362012/1324012013/1424882014/1524562015/1626952016/174611The figures provided include all resource, including managers, deployed both operationally and non-operationally within the Directorate. From 1 April 2016 the HMRC Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) was formed from the merger of the Criminal Investigation and Specialist Investigation Directorates. Since the creation of FIS from 1 April 2016, the focus and deployment of the previous specialist civil investigation and criminal investigation resource has been brought together in line with HMRC’s Serious Fraud Strategy. This means HMRC deploy the appropriate criminal and civil resource to their case work, which makes it difficult for 2016-17 to ring-fence resource deployment that is specifically on criminal investigation.

VAT (Refund of Tax to Museums and Galleries) (Amendment) Order

Alison Thewliss: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the timetable is for the VAT (Refund of Tax to Museums of Tax to Museums and Galleries) (Amendment) Order 2017 to be laid before Parliament.

Alison Thewliss: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Government plans to publish its response to the consultation on the draft the VAT (Refund of Tax to Museums of Tax to Museums and Galleries) (Amendment) Order 2017.

Mel Stride: The Order will be laid at the earliest opportunity.

Immigration Controls

Hilary Benn: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 21 June 2017 to Question 290, what assessment his Department and HM Revenue and Customs have made of the costs associated with updating IT systems for the options of future UK customs arrangements after the UK has left the EU.

Mel Stride: The UK’s future customs arrangements for after we exit the EU will be subject to negotiation. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is already replacing the existing customs system and this work is on track to deliver in January 2019. HM Treasury are working with HMRC to understand all costs associated with the options for the future arrangements.

Taxation: Crime

Douglas Chapman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will research international best practise better to tackle international corporate tax criminality.

Mel Stride: The UK works with its international partners at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) to tackle illicit financial flows, including those relating to tax criminality. The FATF’s global standards on AML/CTF, which were most recently agreed in 2012, require countries to criminalise both indirect and direct tax crimes as a predicate offence to money laundering. FATF countries are then periodically evaluated against these standards.

National Productivity Investment Fund

Douglas Chapman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of the National Productivity Investment will be spent in (a) Scotland and (b) London in (i) the current financial year and (ii) each of the next three financial years.

Andrew Jones: The National Productivity Investment Fund will provide investment in areas that are critical for UK productivity: housing, R&D and economic infrastructure. The UK government has allocated £740m of funding for digital infrastructure and around £4.7bn funding for R&D which will be available across the UK. Responsibility for housing and much infrastructure policy is devolved. As a result the NPIF represents a significant increase in funding through the Barnett Formula of £800m to the Scottish Government, £400m to the Welsh government and £250m to the Northern Ireland Executive. The government is focused on delivering the NPIF and allocating it to programmes and projects that support growth and jobs. Last week saw the launch of the £2.3bn Housing Infrastructure Fund, which was opened to local authorities to bids. We will announce detailed allocations of this and the other aspects of the NPIF in due course.

Taxation: Electronic Government

Douglas Chapman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the effect of current arrangements for the transition to Making Tax Digital on (a) small and medium-sized enterprises, (b) businesses that are not yet digital and (c) businesses in rural areas.

Mel Stride: On 13 July the Government announced changes to the Making Tax Digital (MTD) legislation to be included in the next Finance Bill. Only businesses with turnover above the VAT threshold will be mandated to use MTD from April 2019 and then only to meet VAT obligations. Further details are available in the Written Statement that was issued on 13 July: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statements/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&use-dates=True&answered-from=2017-07-13&answered-to=2017-07-13&dept=14&uin=HCWS47 The impact assessment published on 8 March will therefore be updated in due course.

Inflation: Debts

Dr Philippa Whitford: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has commissioned research on the effect of inflation on household debt.

Stephen Barclay: The department has not commissioned research on this subject. The independent Monetary Policy Committee has the primary objective of maintaining price stability. This objective is defined as an inflation target of 2% as measured by the twelve month increase in the Consumer Prices Index. Household financial positions are stronger than before the financial crisis: net financial wealth as a share of income is close to record highs; debt to income is below pre-crisis levels; and debt interest payments to income are at a record low.

Business: Taxation

Bill Esterson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to implement the findings of the Taylor review of modern working practices recommendation for changes in business taxation.

Mel Stride: The Government will consider the recommendations carefully of this independent review and will respond in full later this year.

Tax Yields: Gambling

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the return to the public purse has been of (a) Fixed Odds Betting Terminals and (b) other forms of gambling in the last five years for which figures are available.

Andrew Jones: Total receipts from Betting and Gaming duties are published here:https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/TaxAndDutybulletins.aspx A separate breakdown for revenue from Fixed Odds Betting Terminals is not available.

Income Tax: Tax Yields

Stewart Hosie: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the annual yield to the Treasury of increasing the higher rate of income tax to (a) 45 pence and (b) 50 pence for those earning over £150,000 in (i) the UK and (ii) Scotland; and how many people would be affected in each category.

Mel Stride: Since 2013-14 the additional rate of income tax has been 45 per cent. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) publish ‘ready reckoner’ tables showing the direct effects of illustrative tax changes on receipts, including changes to the higher and additional rates of income tax:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/direct-effects-of-illustrative-tax-changes Estimates of the number of additional rate income tax payers for the UK and by government office region, including Scotland, are published in HMRC’s income tax statistics, tables 2.1 and 2.2:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/number-of-individual-income-taxpayers-by-marginal-rate-gender-and-age https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/number-of-individual-income-taxpayers-by-marginal-rate-gender-and-age-by-country

Treasury: Information Officers

Stewart Hosie: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost to the public purse was of his Department's communications team in 2016-17, and what the projected costs are for 2017-18.

Andrew Jones: The cost for running HM Treasury Communication department, including all staff and running costs in 2016-17 was £1,950,886 , a reduction of over a quarter of the 2009/10 spend

Treasury: Advertising

Stewart Hosie: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much was spent on advertising by (a) his Department and (b) each of its (i) non-departmental public bodies and (ii) executive agencies in each year since 2010.

Andrew Jones: The total Treasury’s spending on advertising since 2010 was £18,877,108 which is split as follows: Department2009-102010-112011-122012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17HM Treasury (1)331,36621,24035,745210,2172,020,9205,983,7467,750,40212,154Debt Management Office (2)130,25056,6501001,19487813,3553,5367,518Office for Budget Responsibility   1,230   500Government Internal Audit Agency  33,03611,700Asset Protection Agency28,767130,150 1,495Office of Government Commerce64,68526,003   (1) 2013-14 includes advertising for Help to Buy – 2013-14 (£1.69m), 2014-15 (£2.28m), 2015-16 (£0.14m) and Pension Wise – 2014-15 (£3.74m), 2015-16 (£4.77m), 2016-17 (£0.06m)(2) Includes advertising costs for gilt auctions which are now discontinued

Companies: Ownership

Angela Crawley: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will bring forward proposals to require the beneficial ownership of companies and trusts to be made public.

Mel Stride: The Government has led the way on the transparency of beneficial ownership information. The UK was the first G20 country to establish a public register of company beneficial ownership. Earlier this month, HM Revenue and Customs launched a beneficial ownership register for trusts with tax consequences. Trusts and companies are fundamentally different, so these registers have different levels of access. Unlike companies, trusts are typically used for private reasons like managing assets for minors and vulnerable persons. Law enforcement should be able to identify who owns and benefits from trusts, but publishing these persons’ details would not be proportionate.

Inflation

Angela Crawley: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to tackle rising inflation.

Stephen Barclay: In their March forecast, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expected inflation to average 2.4% in 2017 before falling back to 2.3% in 2018 and 2.0% from 2019 to 2021. Maintaining price stability is the primary objective of the Monetary Policy Committee. This objective is defined as an inflation target of 2% as measured by the twelve month increase in the Consumer Prices Index. The Government is taking action to support people with the cost of living. This includes increasing the National Living Wage, raising the personal allowance, and freezing fuel duty.

Pay

Angela Crawley: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to tackle wage stagnation.

Stephen Barclay: According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), total pay increased by 1.8% on the year in the three months to May. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) also expect wages to increase in each year of their forecast. The Government is taking action to support wages. Introduced in April 2016, the National Living Wage has benefitted around 1.7 million low paid workers and delivered the fastest wage growth for the lowest paid in 20 years. Furthermore, the Government has boosted take home pay with increases to personal allowance, where 1.3 million individuals will be taken out of income tax this year.

Customs Officers

Deidre  Brock: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many customs officers are currently employed by HM Revenue and Customs to carry out border activity in the UK; and how many such officers he estimates will be required for such activity after the UK leaves the EU.

Mel Stride: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the UK customs authority and is responsible for the systems which control goods moving across our borders. Border activity for customs purposes is carried out by Border Force. The resources required by HMRC after the UK leaves the European Union will be dependent on the outcome of negotiations.

VAT: Brexit

Deidre  Brock: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to reduce rates of VAT charged on particular goods or services after the UK has left the EU.

Mel Stride: The government has committed to extending a zero rate of VAT to women’s sanitary products as soon as we are legally able to. Future decisions on VAT will be taken as part of the normal Budget process.

Banks: Wales

Chris Ruane: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many bank and building society branches have closed in (a) Vale of Clwyd constituency, (b) Denbighshire and (c) Conwy county in the last five years.

Chris Ruane: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many bank branches have closed by parliamentary constituency in each year for which figures are available.

Chris Ruane: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of bank and building society closures on (a) town centres, (b) businesses and (c) individuals.

Stephen Barclay: The Treasury does not collect data relating to bank branch closures. Decisions on the opening and closing of individual bank branches are taken by the management team of each bank on a commercial basis without intervention from Government. While banks and building societies need to balance customer interests, market competition, and other commercial factors when considering their strategy, the Government is pleased to see that the industry is committing to further improvements to protect those affected by branch closures. For this reason, the Government welcomed the industry-wide Access to Banking Protocol and Professor Russel Griggs’ independent ‘one year on’ review, published last November. Building on Professor Griggs’ review, the new Access to Banking Standard came into effect on 1 May. The Standard commits banks to ensure customers are better informed about branch closures and the reasons for them closing, along with the options they have locally to continue to access banking services, including specialist assistance for customers who need more help.

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people have applied for an eligibility childcare code for 30 hours free childcare via the gov.uk website; how many of those applications have been successful; how many of those applications have not been completed due to technical issues; and what the average amount of time was between completing that application and receiving an eligibility code.

Elizabeth Truss: As of 12th of July, over 150,000 people had applied for an eligibility code for 30 hours free childcare and over 120,000 had been successful. The system is designed so that most eligible parents will receive an eligibility decision and 30 hours code within 30 seconds. In some cases additional checks are needed to determine whether a parent is eligible and, where appropriate, a code will be issued following those checks. It is not possible to provide a definitive number of applications not completed due to technical issues as the service allows parents to part complete their application, save it and return to it later. A dedicated helpline is in place to support parents who encounter technical difficulties or delays in receiving their code.

Insurance Premium Tax

David Linden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether an assessment has been made of the potential effect of increasing insurance premium tax on the uptake of household insurance.

Mel Stride: Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) is a tax on insurance premiums which is accounted for and paid by insurers. The HMRC costing for the increase to the rate of IPT, published at Autumn Statement 2016, took into account behavioural responses resulting from any change associated to prices of general insurance products.

Taxation

Deidre  Brock: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans for the simplification of the tax system; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: The government aims to have a tax system that is simple to understand and easy to comply with. In 2010 we set up the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) as an independent Office of the Treasury to provide advice on how to simplify the tax system. The OTS was made permanent and statutory in 2016. This ensures it is in the best possible position to provide robust advice to the Chancellor on simplifying the tax system. The OTS has made over 400 recommendations to simplify the tax system, over half of which have already been implemented by the Government.

Tax Avoidance

Grant Shapps: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Revenue and Customs conducts a cost-benefit analysis of potential job losses and tax revenues forgone before issuing winding-up petitions for unpaid debts under accelerated payment notices.

Grant Shapps: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Revenue and Customs issues a winding-up petition for an accelerated payment notice if the debt pursued is a payment on account for a liability that may never fall due.

Grant Shapps: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what criteria HM Revenue and Customs applies in deciding whether to issue a petition.

Grant Shapps: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what criteria HM Revenue and Customs applies in deciding whether to issue a winding-up petition for an unpaid accelerated payment notice.

Grant Shapps: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many winding-up petitions have been issued to companies in respect of accelerated payment notices issued by HM revenue and Customs in the last 12 months.

Mel Stride: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will always ensure that its action is proportionate and the precise action taken will depend on the facts and circumstances of each individual case. HMRC have stringent governance arrangements in place where insolvency is considered. However, anyone who anticipates problems paying their tax bill should contact HMRC, who may be able to offer extra time to pay based on individual circumstances. HMRC has an outstanding record for supporting those facing genuine difficulty paying their Accelerated Payments. HMRC treat unpaid Accelerated Payments as any other established debt using their range of debt collection powers as necessary to recover what is owed, including insolvency powers where appropriate. To date, HMRC have issued 12 winding up petitions to companies with Accelerated Payment debt. Most of these companies also have non Accelerated Payment related debts.

Taxation: Electronic Government

David Linden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will phase in digital taxation rollout.

Mel Stride: Information on the Making Tax Digital rollout was given in my written statement to the House on 13 July which is available here. http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statements/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&use-dates=True&answered-from=2017-07-13&answered-to=2017-07-13&dept=14&uin=HCWS47

Tax Avoidance

Frank Field: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of HM Revenue and Customs's ability to investigate whether there are grounds for it to recover tax revenue lost to alleged tax avoidance schemes promoted by the Anderson Group and other temporary recruitment agencies; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: During the last Parliament the Government announced over 35 measures and invested a further £800 million in HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to tackle avoidance and evasion. HMRC investigate all instances of tax avoidance and have robust compliance procedures in place to take action against any identified abuse.

Economic Growth: Inequality

Kirsty Blackman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has commissioned research on projected levels of inequality and economic growth.

Stephen Barclay: The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is tasked with creating the forecasts for economic growth on which the government sets fiscal policy. These are published in the ‘Economic and fiscal outlook’, most recently at the Spring Budget 2017. At Spring Budget 2017, the OBR revised up growth in 2017 to 2.0%, but revised it slightly down thereafter. There are no official projections of inequality. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics show that inequality reached a 30-yr low last year.

Debts: Young People

Kirsty Blackman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to prevent young people from falling into problem debt.

Stephen Barclay: The government is committed to supporting all those affected by problem debt, and has a range of measures in place. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates the consumer credit market, and has introduced binding rules to strengthen consumer protection. They are based on the principle that money should only be lent to a consumer if they can afford to repay it; lenders must show forbearance if there is evidence of financial difficulty. The FCA also capped the cost of payday loans. As part of a review of this price cap, the FCA will examine the high-cost credit market more broadly (such as rent-to-own), and consider whether further interventions are necessary to address the risk of consumer harm. The Money Advice Service (MAS) coordinates the provision of free-to-client debt advice. Last financial year, MAS had a debt advice budget of £45m and funded 380,000 free-to-client debt advice sessions. In the Queen’s Speech, the government announced the Financial Guidance and Claims Bill. This will legislate to restructure the financial guidance landscape and bring debt advice, money guidance, and pensions guidance together in a single body, and give consumers better access to the financial information they need. This Bill is currently going through Parliament. This government's manifesto proposed a statutory breathing space that would give heavily indebted consumers a period of respite from enforcement action, and further interest and charges for a period of up to six weeks. Where appropriate, this would be followed by a statutory repayment plan to help them pay back their debts in a sustainable way. We will outline further information on how this policy could be implemented in due course.

Economic Situation

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the economic effect of the enforcement of immigration policy on businesses in the last 12 months.

Stephen Barclay: The Treasury has not made any formal assessment of the economic effect of immigration enforcement on business.

Cash Dispensing: Fees and Charges

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the proportion of free-to-use cash machines which would (a) be removed or (b) start charging customers if business rates are levied on cash machines.

Stephen Barclay: Government has not made an estimate of the number of cash machines that would be removed or start charging customers if business rates were levied on cash machines.

Child Maintenance Service

Deidre  Brock: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether there are plans for HM Revenue and Customs to routinely share data on the unearned income of non-resident parents with the Child Maintenance Service as an alternative to the request-led system.

Mel Stride: There are no plans for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to routinely provide unearned income information. HMRC provides information to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to help in the calculation of child maintenance payments. This is provided on a request basis in line with DWP legislation. HMRC routinely shares earned income information which covers the vast majority of individuals. HMRC is committed to working with DWP, the CMS and others to improve data flows to best support the calculation and collection of child maintenance.

Foreign Exchange

Andy Slaughter: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to publish the results of the research on foreign exchange; whether those results will be published with the Government response to that consultation; whether he plans to use those results to inform amendments to the draft Payment Services Regulations 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Barclay: The Government does not intend to publish the research it conducted earlier in the year on the effects of transparency in overseas money transfers (involving foreign exchange) on consumer decisions at this point in time as it relates to the formulation and development of ongoing government policy. However, the research will help to inform the Government’s response to its consultation on the implementation of the second Payment Services Directive, which will be published shortly. The Government will need to weigh up the benefits of requiring greater transparency with other considerations, such as the Government’s approach to implementing maximum harmonising Directives.

Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission

Electoral Register

John Mann: To ask the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, how many instances of voters being wrongly excluded from the electoral list were identified at the 2015 General Election; and in which constituencies such exclusions took place.

Bridget Phillipson: The Electoral Commission collected data from Returning Officers for all UK constituencies following the UK Parliamentary General Election on 7 May 2015. The data shows that an estimated 12,803 people tried to vote on polling day and were unregistered.This number is based on data from 418 constituencies, as not all Returning Officers provided data and of those that did, some of the data provided was approximate. Figures for each constituency are available on the Electoral Commission’s website at http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/excel_doc/0011/191648/UKPGE-turnout-postal-rejected-admin-amended-WEB.xlsx

Absent Voting

John Mann: To ask the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, how many postal votes were discounted because the signature or date of birth was not accepted by returning officers in each constituency in the (a) 2015 and (b) 2017 General Election.

Bridget Phillipson: The Electoral Commission collected data from Returning Officers for all UK constituencies following the UK Parliamentary general election on 7 May 2015. The numbers of postal vote statements rejected by Returning Officers due to mismatched signatures and mismatched dates of birth were as follows:Postal Vote statements rejected due to mismatched signatures: 46,840Postal Vote statements rejected due to mismatched dates of birth: 38,148Postal Vote statements rejected due to mismatched both dates of birth and signatures: 16,912Figures for each constituency are available on the Electoral Commission’s website at http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/excel_doc/0011/191648/UKPGE-turnout-postal-rejected-admin-amended-WEB.xlsxThe Electoral Commission is currently collecting data from Returning Officers in relation to the 2017 general election, which will include the number of rejected postal votes. The Commission will publish this in the autumn.

Voting Behaviour

Michael Fabricant: To ask the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, if she will conduct a national audit to determine how many (a) students and (b) other registered voters voted in more than one parliamentary constituency in the General Election 2017.

Bridget Phillipson: The UK’s electoral registers are maintained by individual Electoral Registration Officers appointed by each local authority in Great Britain and by the Chief Electoral Officer in Northern Ireland. This means that it would not be feasible to identify duplicate entries between registers without considerable additional financial and operational resources. Providing a mechanism for EROs to compare information about electoral register entries more automatically across all 381 registers could help to further improve the accuracy and completeness of electoral registers and could also help to address the risk of voting more than once at a relevant election.It is an offence under Section 61(2)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 1983, for an elector to cast more than one vote on their own behalf in a UK Parliamentary general election or at a referendum. This offence carries a fine which is unlimited in England and Wales, or a fine not exceeding £5,000 in Scotland.Investigations into possible criminal offenses are a matter for the relevant police forces. The Electoral Commission has provided advice and guidance to UK police forces about how to investigate allegations that an individual may have voted twice, including obtaining from the relevant Returning Officers the marked copy of the register.

Department for Work and Pensions

Nuisance Calls

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the timetable is for the introduction of legislative proposals on banning pension cold-calling and blocking suspicious pension pot transfers.

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to tackle pension scams; and if he will make a statement.

Guy Opperman: The Government takes the threat of pension scams very seriously. That is why the Government launched a consultation in December 2016 looking at three potential interventions to tackle this issue, including legislating to introduce a ban on cold calling in relation to pensions to help stop fraudsters contacting individuals and legislating to give firms new powers to block transfers. The government will publish a response to the consultation which will set out our intended next steps. This is a complex area that requires careful and detailed consultation with stakeholders.

Jobcentres: Coventry

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on which date (a) he or (b) a Minister of his Department last visited Torrington Avenue Jobcentre Plus.

Damian Hinds: The date of the last Ministerial visit to the Torrington Jobcentre Plus could only be provided at disproportionate costs. However, it can be confirmed that since May 2015, there have been no visits to the above Jobcentre Plus by the Secretary of State or his Ministers.

Jobcentres: Coventry

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on which date (a) he or (b) a Minister of his Department last visited Cofa Court Jobcentre Plus.

Damian Hinds: The date of the last Ministerial visit to the Cofa Court Jobcentre Plus could only be provided at disproportionate costs. However, it can be confirmed that since May 2015, there have been no visits to the above Jobcentre Plus by the Secretary of State or his Ministers.

Personal Independence Payment: Vale of Clwyd

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of constituents in the Vale of Clwyd constituency have had their original personal independence payments overturned as a result of (a) mandatory reconsideration or (b) an appeal hearing in each year for which data is available.

Penny Mordaunt: Between April 2013 and April 2017 there have been 6,430 initial decisions on claims for Personal Independence Payment in the Vale of Clwyd. In this same period, 340 had their Award Changed at mandatory reconsideration. Tribunal Statistics, including appeal outcomes are published by the Ministry of Justice and so we will not be able to provide consistent regional breakdown of these statistics for the Vale of Clwyd. We would recommend requesting this information from the Ministry of Justice.

Social Security Benefits: Children

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the Government's policy is on families with more than two children claiming universal credit and child tax credit.

Damian Hinds: Until November 2018, claimants with more than two children cannot normally make a new claim for Universal Credit and are directed to claim Child Tax Credit. Thereafter, new claims from families with more than two children will be taken through Universal Credit. Families with two or more children already on Universal Credit who have a third or subsequent child from April 2017 will remain on Universal Credit.

Disability Living Allowance: Vale of Clwyd

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of constituents in Vale of Clwyd constituency in receipt of disability living allowance have subsequently been assessed as ineligible for personal independence payments in each year for which data is available.

Penny Mordaunt: The latest available data on personal independence payment (PIP) clearances split by parliamentary constituency and by type of clearance (i.e. whether the claim was awarded, disallowed or withdrawn) for both new claims and reassessed claims, can be found at https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ Guidance on how to use Stat-Xplore can be found here:https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/index.html.

Universal Credit: Southampton

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are in receipt of universal credit in Southampton.

Damian Hinds: As of December 2016 there were 390 (to the nearest 10) people in receipt of Universal Credit in the Southampton and Itchen constituency. This information is published and available at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk Guidance for users is available at: https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Universal Credit

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support is given to claimants of universal credit during the assessment process.

Damian Hinds: We have a number of safeguards in place to help claimants transition to Universal Credit including Advances and Budgeting Support. Claimants can apply for an advance immediately and can receive up to 50 percent of their indicative award shortly afterwards. Personal Budgeting Support is also discussed at the claimant’s initial work search interview to gauge their potential support needs and can include money advice. We continue to work closely with landlords, Local Authorities and other organisations to ensure claimants are supported throughout the assessment process.

Universal Credit

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what review of the universal credit policy has been undertaken since its implementation; and what assessment that review made of the effectiveness of that policy at reducing the number of workless households.

Damian Hinds: Universal Credit is still in its implementation phase. However evidence shows that it is effective in reducing worklessness. In Universal Credit more people are finding work than under Jobseeker’s Allowance. They are spending more time looking for work and moving into work faster. Additionally, in Universal Credit more people are actively looking to increase their earnings whilst they are in work.

Social Security Benefits

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what income support is given to benefit claimants who transition from one benefit to another to prevent long periods of no income.

Damian Hinds: Any individual experiencing financial hardship while awaiting payment of their benefit award can apply for a Short Term Benefit Advance (STBA). The award of an STBA is based upon eligibility criteria. Payments of a STBA are recovered from benefit once it has been awarded.

Means-tested Benefits: Southampton

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants in Southampton have taken out a hardship payment.

Damian Hinds: The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Universal Credit: ICT

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the proposed programme of Jobcentre Plus closures on the rollout of the full digital service of universal credit.

Damian Hinds: The people and locations announcements have had little effect on the rollout schedule of the Universal Credit Full Service. 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CromerKendalWester HailesHackneyNorwichCoshamLeithHoxtonFelixstoweExeterHigh RiggsLetchworthLeistonAlyesburyEdinburgh CityStevenageWoodbridgeCambridgeKetteringWorcesterNottingham Loxley HouseBarryLeamington SpaNewtownWelshpoolBulwellLeeds Southern HouseBreconLlandrindod WellsGuiseleyPenarthYstradgynlaisNottingham CentralMorleyPudseyMachynellethJuly 2018 KingswoodGuildfordWood GreenWavertreeYateWokingTottenhamWilliamson SquareRydeCramlingtonLutonBolton Great Moor StreetAldershotAshingtonDunstableBolton Blackhorse StreetAltonMorpethHayesKings LynnBordonBerwickUxbridgeAberdareFarnboroughSheffield BaileyBexleyheathLlantrisantRedhillSheffield Cavendish CourtEdge HillNorthamptonEpsomChapeltownToxtethPontypriddPorthBeestonKidderminsterOldburyTonypandyArnoldMadeleySmethwickTreorchySleafordTelfordTiptonWellingtonEveshamWest Bromwich  August 2018 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Universal Credit: ICT

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how claims for universal credit by people who are not able to use IT are made and managed in full digital service areas.

Damian Hinds: DWP recognise that some people will need help with on-line claims and activity. People without digital skills will be offered support in jobcentres to make and manage their claims on-line, and also to acquire or improve core digital skills. DWP has also rolled out the Universal Support initiative alongside the national roll out of Universal Credit, as part of which Local Authorities deliver both digital and budgeting support.Where claimants have no capability to make or manage their claim on-line, telephone, and face to face support is available. Furthermore, as we continue to deliver the full Universal Credit service, with its expanded claimant base, we are continually reviewing and developing the current vulnerable claimant customer journey, including how vulnerable people are identified and how they are supported both internally and via referral to local services delivered in partnership activity.

Employment Schemes: Basic Skills

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what claimant support is offered to individuals with low levels of literacy, numeracy or computer skills.

Damian Hinds: Identifying skills needs (sometimes called skills screenings) are an integral part of work coach meetings with claimants. This process involves observation and discussion to gather evidence on skills, qualifications, previous training and work history. The information gathered determines whether the claimant has any potential skills gaps in relation to their individual job goals and jobs readily available in the local labour market. Where further investigation is needed for potential basic skills needs (English/maths/ICT) claimants can be asked to complete the paper-based Fast Track Screening Tool. The tool is a short series of questions completed by the claimant and marked by the work coach to indicate potential basic skills needs. Where a potential skills need is identified, the claimant can then be referred to an initial assessment with a learning provider (DfE funded through the Adult Education Budget) to confirm their skill level or alternatively referred for a more detailed assessment with the National Careers Service or equivalent in Scotland and Wales. Work Coaches use the evidence gathered through the initial screening and subsequent provider assessment to decide what remedial training or other action is required to help the claimant find work. Additionally, during the transition to Universal Credit, the UC Programme has made available funding to Local Authorities to 2022 to provide Universal Support – Assisted Digital, to support claimants who need help transacting with the new UC digital service.

Employment and Support Allowance: Appeals

Gerald Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of employment and support allowance claims were overturned at the mandatory reconsideration stage in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency in (a) January to December 2016 and (b) January to June 2017.

Penny Mordaunt: The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Gerald Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of personal independence payment claims were overturned at mandatory reconsideration stage in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency in (a) January to December 2016 and (b) January to June 2017.

Penny Mordaunt: Between January and December 2016 there have been 1,480 initial decisions on claims for Personal Independence Payment in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. In this same period, 80 had their Award Changed at mandatory reconsideration. Between January and April 2017 there have been 710 initial decisions on claims for Personal Independence Payment in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. In this same period, 30 had their Award Changed at mandatory reconsideration.

Department for Work and Pensions: ICT

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what use his Department is making of blockchain technology.

Caroline Dinenage: Blockchain is an example of a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). DWP is not making use of DLT currently but it is of interest to the Department as it has a number of possible applications where there exists a lack of trust between the actors writing to a system. It is most applicable when there are requirements that the data be shared (for read and write access by multiple parties to multiple replicated masters), distributed (for resilience and high availability), immutable with non-repudiation of the committed writes. We are evaluating how and where DLT might be deployed to add the most value for taxpayers and citizens alike.

Work Capability Assessment

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken to obtain an assessment for employment and support allowance.

Penny Mordaunt: Since the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments took over the contract to carry out assessments in March 2015, they have made a number of improvements to claimants’ experience of assessments, including: Increasing the number of Healthcare Professionals by around 70% since the start of the contract, thereby ensuring that claimants go through the assessment process more quickly; and,Increasing the number of assessment rooms used so that they can see more people at more locations. As a result of these improvements, the time taken from referral to the supplier to the claimant receiving a face-to-face Work Capability Assessment has more than halved since the start of the contract.

Work Capability Assessment

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the (a) shortest, (b) average and (c) longest waiting time was for an assessment for employment and support allowance in the most recent 12 months for which data are available.

Penny Mordaunt: The information requested is not readily available. A programme of work is currently underway to look into what information on ESA waiting times is available to publish as official statistics on the ESA-WCA process. When a decision has been made DWP Statisticians will pre-announce the statistics in accordance with the UKSA release protocols. The Labour Market statisticians are currently working on producing some published statistics based on the Median clearance times for the initial part of the customer journey.

Housing Benefit: East of England

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many local authorities in the East of England (a) over-spent, (b) under-spent and (c) exactly spent their Discretionary Housing Payment funding allocations in each of the last three years.

Caroline Dinenage: The End of Year Statistical monitoring returns for Discretionary Housing Payments provided by local authorities for the last three years can be found at the links below:- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/use-of-discretionary-housing-payments-financial-year-201617 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/use-of-discretionary-housing-payments-financial-year-201516 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/use-of-discretionary-housing-payments-financial-year-201415

Jobcentres: Closures

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment  he has made of the potential effect of jobcentre closures on claimants who have difficulty using PCs and the Internet.

Damian Hinds: Increasingly, our customers access many of our services on-line. This includes claiming benefits, looking for jobs and keeping us informed of their efforts to find work.The roll out of Universal Credit and our reforms of Jobcentre Plus have increased the number of interactions claimants now have with us online. For example, eight out of ten claims for Jobseeker’s Allowance are now made online and 99.6% of applicants for Universal Credit full service submitted their claim online, reflecting increased digital capability and accessibility. This allows the Department to tailor its service so that face-to-face contact can be focused on those who need extra support.We are committed to retaining an accessible jobcentre network and continuing to serve customers in all areas and the face to face support our work coaches offer at jobcentres will continue to be a core part of the service we deliver. In order to be able to support customers in the most appropriate way, we have various means of interacting with them, including face to face, e-mail, telephone and by post.

Jobcentres: Closures

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate  he has made of the additional caseload for Cofa Court Jobcentre in Coventry as a result of closure of the Torrington Avenue Jobcentre.

Damian Hinds: Changes to the DWP estate announced on 5 July are not intended to reduce the number of staff or level of service we deliver, they are about redesigning our estate in a way that provides value for the taxpayer while continuing to support to our claimants. Whilst no specific estimate has been made of the additional caseload for Cofa Court Jobcentre as a result of these changes, the number of work coaches in jobcentres is set to increase in all areas which will offset any increases.

Flexible Working

Neil Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what definition his Department uses of (a) flexible worker and (b) flexible working.

Damian Hinds: DWP does not have its own definitions of (a) flexible worker and (b) flexible working.

Jobcentres: Liverpool

Mrs Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what impact assessment he has carried out of the effect of proposals to close job centres in Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

Damian Hinds: Throughout the development of our proposals, the Department has been mindful of its duties under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. An equality analysis of the potential impact on staff and customers in Liverpool was informed by statistical analysis of population data, local knowledge and consultation. Any issues identified were taken fully into consideration and helped to inform our final plans which were announced on 5 July 2017.

Funerals: Wales

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many paupers funerals his Department has funded in Wales in each year for which data is available.

Caroline Dinenage: This Department does not fund public health or ‘Paupers’ funerals.

Department for Work and Pensions: Telephone Services

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on members of the public who contact his Department of the cost of calling 0345 numbers from Pay as You Go mobile telephones.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that it receives approximately 31.8 million calls from mobile telephones per year. We are unable to determine how many of these calls were made from Pay as You Go mobile telephones. Any charges that apply to these calls will be set by the customer’s telephone or mobile operator however they are never more than the cost of a geographic number, which are those with 01 and 02 dialling codes.

Universal Credit

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many complaints his Department received on claimants whose legacy benefits were not protected following their transfer to universal credit.

Caroline Dinenage: The department does not collect such specific complaints data. To obtain this information we would need to examine individual complaints grouped under the broader categories of “You were wrong about my entitlement” and “You paid me the wrong amount”. Owing to the volume of complaints that will need to be examined to obtain this information it can only be collated at disproportionate cost to the department.

Universal Credit

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of claimants whose legacy benefits have not been protected following a transfer to universal credit.

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department takes to ensure that people who have not retained the legacy benefits that they are entitled to can have such benefits reinstated swiftly.

Damian Hinds: Claimants currently moving from existing benefits to Universal Credit will only do so because they will have had a significant change in their circumstances that would previously have triggered a new claim to an existing benefit or tax credit. In such circumstances they would always have had their entitlement calculated based on the rules of their new benefit. This principle has been maintained for those moving to Universal Credit. We have announced that we will be starting managed migration of existing benefit claimants to Universal Credit from July 2019 and that this will be completed by March 2022. We have committed that we will pay transitional protection to all claimants who move to Universal Credit as part of this process and whose entitlement is less than their entitlement to existing benefits and tax credits.

Universal Credit: Housing

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many young people between 18 and 21 years old have (a) applied for and (b) been granted exemptions to ensure entitlement to the housing costs element of universal credit since 1 April 2017.

Caroline Dinenage: The information requested is not available. Data will become available as this policy area matures.

Children: Maintenance

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many times in each year of their operation the Child Maintenance Service and its predecessor bodies have paid a consolatory payment to a resident parent.

Caroline Dinenage: Figures for consolatory payments to resident parents for the Child Maintenance Service and for the Child Support Agency are provided below: Financial Reporting Year Consolatory Payments Made to Resident Parent(Child Maintenance Service)*Dec 2014 to March 20151302015/20165952016/2017835April to June 2017250   Financial Reporting Year Consolatory Payments Made(Child Support Agency) 2009/20107,9202010/20115,4052011/20124,1302012/20134,6702013/20144,2452014/20152,8352015/20161,7252016/2017910April to June 2017130 Notes:Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.We have interpreted resident parent to be Receiving Parent for the Child Maintenance Service and Parent with Care for the Child Support Agency.“*” for the Child Maintenance Service for 2014/15 indicates it’s not a full year.Figures for the Child Support Agency are for all parents as we are unable to show payments purely to the resident parent.

Access to Work Programme: Hearing Impairment

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with organisations representing the deaf community on the effectiveness of the access to work scheme.

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effect of the current funding cap of £42,100 on the (a) number of people from the deaf community accessing the access to work scheme and (b) levels of funding available for members of the deaf community; and whether he has plans to change the level of that cap.

Penny Mordaunt: Officials have regular discussions with a wide variety of groups representing scheme customers and suppliers. In recent years such organisations representing deaf customers' issues have included: Royal Association of Deaf peopleAction on Hearing LossBritish Deaf AssociationSignatureDeaf AtWUK Council on DeafnessAssociation of Sign Language InterpretersNational Union of British Sign Language InterpretersScottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters In addition Access to Work officials have had many more discussions with organisations who represent the deaf community’s interests as part of a broader agenda as well as presenting updates to the department’s operational stakeholder engagement forum (OSEF) which acts as a broader forum for Access to Work to engage with various groups of stakeholders. In May 2015 the Government published an Equality Analysis of the impact of the reforms to Access to Work, which may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/426416/future-of-access-to-work-equality-analysis.pdf From April this year the Cap is set at £42,100 per annum, calculated at one-and-a-half times the prevailing annual average earnings figure. There are no plans to alter the current uprating mechanism. We will be reflecting on Access to Work as we continue our work stemming from the recent Green Paper.

Children: Maintenance

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to paragraph 82 of the 14th Report of the Work and Pensions Committee of 2016-17, Child Maintenance Service, HC 587, whether he plans to implement the recommendation on reinstating provisions for parents to challenge child maintenance awards on the grounds of assets and lifestyle inconsistent with income.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government welcomes the Work and Pensions Select Committee report and is carefully considering its recommendations. We will submit the Government response in due course.

Home Office

Home Office: Advertising

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much her Department has spent on advertising on social media in each month since January 2016.

Sarah Newton: The total spend since January 2016 by the Department on social media is: MonthTotalJan-169,226Feb-162,994Mar-1656,438Apr-166,888May-1634,431Jun-160Jul-160Aug-160Sep-160Oct-1618,569Nov-1632,730Dec-1621,376Jan-1734,071Feb-17128,108Mar-17107,663Apr-1779,289May-175,568Jun-1764,732  Total602,083 To note:Spend includes net media costs and related fees; it excludes production and related fees, and VAT Government advertising supports the Government’s priorities and helps deliver its programmes, from recruiting enough teachers to encouraging citizens to register to vote. The media in which we place government advertising are selected for their ability to most effectively reach our target audience. Government advertising is purchased by our media buying partner, Carat. Carat has held the contract for UK Government media buying since January 2015.

Domestic Violence

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the number of responses to domestic violence incidents which took place 24 hours after the incident was reported by each police force.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office introduced a mandatory flag for domestic abuse crimes and incidents in April 2015, and with the Office for National Statistics published new domestic abuse dataset in December 2016. This data does not breakdown how long it took the police to respond to an initial report. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has noted that the overall police response to victims of domestic abuse has improved. However the 2016 PEEL Effectiveness Report from HMIC, published in March 2017, stressed the importance of identifying the risk to victims at the point of first contact and noted that the response is not always timely enough and this can put victims at risk. The Home Secretary chairs a national oversight group to continue to drive a culture change in the police response by ensuring recommendations from HMIC inspections into domestic abuse are acted upon.

Fire and Rescue Services: Greater London

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 27 June 2017 to Question 1333, how many fire pumps were stationed in the London Borough of (a) Southwark and (b) Lambeth in each year since 2010.

Mr Nick Hurd: The latest published information on numbers of fire pumps can be found in Table 1403 of the “Fire and rescue authorities: operational statistics bulletin for England 2015 to 2016” available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fire-statistics-data-tables.

UK Visas and Immigration: Telephone Services

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason the phoneline provided by UK Visas and Immigration for people to make inquiries about the status of their visa application is charged at £1.37 per minute on top of network charges; and what the average length of time is for people who call the line to wait on hold.

Brandon Lewis: Customers are charged £1.37 per minute when calling from outside of the UK and from the point at which they are connected to an agentFor customers who are applying from within the UK, phone calls continue to be charged at the caller’s standard network rate only.   Our web site www.gov.uk is the main source of information and advice and is free of charge The UK Government believes it is right that those who use and benefit directly from the UK immigration system make an appropriate contribution towards meeting the costs of the immigration system. Those who use the services from outside the UK are predominantly prospective customers and in many cases no application will be made and no application fee collected Fees set by the Home Office for border, immigration and citizenship services are set at a level that partially funds the immigration system. The remainder is funded through general taxation The average wait time for overseas callers was 1:51 between 1st June 2017 and 10 July 2017. A customer will only be charged for the time they spend connected to one of the customer service representatives.

Radicalism

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what funding her Department plans to make available for policy measures to promote alternative narratives to extremism in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Sarah Newton: Through this department and across government we are working to deliver programmes which offer an alternative narrative to extremism and it is not possible to disaggregate this work. One example, however, is the Building a Stronger Britain Together (BSBT) Programme and funding provisions for this programme are as follows: - In 2016/17, BSBT spent £4,026,166.80 (on in-kind support and grant support to community groups, community coordinators and campaigns) to offer alternative narratives to extremism with and through partners. This includes £872,365.80 spent in 2016 on piloting the BSBT approach. - The spend for 2017/18 will be confirmed at the end of the financial year. - The budget for 2018/19 has not yet been finalised.

Home Office: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average number of bids received for each contract put out to tender by her Department was in each year since 2010.

Sarah Newton: The average number of bids received for each contract put out to tender by the Home Office, has been as follows: 5.9 in 2012, 5.3 in 2013, 3.5 in 2014, 4.3 in 2015 and 3.7 in 2016. Information prior to 2012 is not currently available.

Fire and Rescue Services: Resignations

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many firefighters have resigned from each fire and rescue service in England in each of the last five years.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office collects data on the number of firefighters resigning to take up employment outside the fire and rescue services in England or due to harassment and discrimination. There may be other reasons for firefighters to resign. The available data is published in Table FIRE1111: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/562347/fire-statistics-data-tables-fire1111.xlsx.  The Home Office does not publish this data by individual fire and rescue service.

EU Nationals: Polish Language

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will provide a Polish translation of the guidance on the Status of EU citizens in the UK: what you need to know on her Department’s website.

Brandon Lewis: A Polish translation of the guidance on the status of EU citizens in the UK is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/status-of-eu-nationals-in-the-uk-what-you-need-to-know.pl.

Entry Clearances

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of her Department's and UK Border Agency decisions were not made within the standard timeframe under the classification of complexity in each of the last 10 years.

Brandon Lewis: Published data on UKVI’s performance against service standards for applications made in the UK and from overseas, including the proportion of cases classified as non-straightforward, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data#uk-visas-and-immigration. Where an application is defined as non-straightforward due to complexity, the customer will be written to within the normal processing time to explain why it will not be decided within the normal standard, and to explain what will happen next.

Police Custody

Graham P Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been detained in police custody in each year since 2010 for more than (a) 24, (b) 48 and (c) 72 hours.

Graham P Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been detained in police custody for more than 24 hours on mental health grounds in each year since 2010.

Graham P Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been detained in police custody in each year since 2010.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office collects and publishes data on the number of persons detained for more than 24 hours under Part IV of PACE. Data can be found in the ‘Police Powers and Procedures’ statistical bulletin in accompanying table D_03, the latest of which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/561975/other-pace-police-powers-procedures-hosb1516-tables.ods Data, broken down by those detained over 24 hours and up to 36 hours, those detained for more than 36 hours, and those detained for longer than 36 hours under a warrant for further detention can be found in Table D_01 of the same release. For detentions exceeding 36 hours, the time in custody under warrant issued by a magistrate can be found in Table D_02. Data for earlier years can be accessed here:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-powers-and-procedures-england-and-wales The Home Office does not collect centrally information on the number of persons detained for less than 24 hours, therefore it is not possible to provide a total figure for the number of people detained in police custody each year. Information on how many people have been detained in police custody for more than 24 hours on mental health grounds is not held centrally.

Emergency Services: Mobile Radios

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that the funding under the Emergency Services Mobile Communications programme is spent in accordance with state aid rules.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) received State Aid clearance from the European Commission in December 2015 for the new Emergency Services Network (ESN), which is designed to deliver the most capable and flexible communication system for the police, fire and rescue and ambulance services in Great Britain. A key condition of the clearance was that there is access to the subsidised network on equal and non-discriminatory terms to other mobile network operators. The Programme will comply strictly with the terms of the State Aid clearance secured. We are keen to maximise the benefits of the system, including benefits to the wider public. In particular we expect residents, visitors and businesses in some remote and rural communities will be able to get access to 4G mobile signal coverage for the first time.

Emergency Services: Mobile Radios

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much funding under the Emergency Services Mobile Communications programme the Government plans to provide to EE.

Mr Nick Hurd: The information relating to EE funding can be found at Section II – ‘Object of the contract’ at point 11.2.1 in the following document::http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:26394-2016:TEXT:EN:HTML

Airwave Service

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which police services are involved in the airwave replacement programme.

Mr Nick Hurd: All Police Services in England and Wales are represented at board level on the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP). The Police Service interacts with the Programme via a national team, Operational Communications in Policing (OCiP). The Deputy Chief Constable who is head of OCiP also undertakes the role of Police Business Change Lead (BCL) on the Programme.The BCL is accountable to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) for Emergency Services Network (ESN) matters and regularly updates and seeks decisions from chief officer colleagues and specialists within forces through police governance. There is a designated ESN Business Change and Assurance Manager (BCAM) with a small team including Regional Coordination Managers (RCMs). OCiP cascades information from the Programme to encourage two-way communication to all forces, including non-Home Office forces. Each force has a nominated contact point, at both strategic and tactical levels. Police Scotland is represented via the BCL for Scotland who also sits at board level on the Programme.

Immigration Bail

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she expects paragraph 11 of Schedule 10 of the Immigration Act 2016 to be brought into force.

Brandon Lewis: We are currently working with the Ministry of Justice, Her Majesty’s Court Service and the First-tier Tribunal to implement the Secretary of State’s duty to arrange consideration of bail, as set out in paragraph 11 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016. This is just one part of a large number of changes necessary to implement the wider immigration bail provisions in Schedule 10 and it will be commenced alongside those other provisions in due course.

Human Trafficking

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2017 to Question 1480, on human trafficking, on which statistics the Government based its approach to human trafficking and modern slavery; and if she will place a copy of those statistics in the Library.

Sarah Newton: The Government bases its approach to modern slavery and human trafficking primarily on statistics which cover: potential victims referred to the national referral mechanism and the duty to notify referral process; police recorded crime statistics; and criminal justice statistics. These statistics are collated and published annually in the inter-departmental ministerial group on modern slavery reports available on Gov.uk:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/modern-slavery-inter-departmental-ministerial-group-publicationsThese annual statistics complement a Home Office study conducted in 2014 on the overall scale of modern slavery in the UK, which is also available on Gov.uk:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/modern-slavery-an-application-of-multiple-systems-estimation

Human Trafficking

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2017 to Question 1480, on human trafficking, whether the National Crime Agency has ceased to produce its standalone annual strategic assessment of the nature and scale of human trafficking in the UK; and if she will make  a statement.

Sarah Newton: The last National Crime Agency standalone strategic assessment was published in 2015. This year, the Joint Slavery and Trafficking Analysis Centre (JSTAC) was established, which is a dedicated intelligence analysis centre comprising analysts from a range of agencies, including the NCA. Its assessments are based on a range of classified material which means they are not routinely published.

Asylum: Housing

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the report from Refugee Action, entitled Slipping through the gaps, published in July 2017, for what reasons her Department is not meeting targets for section 95 and section 98 support for asylum seekers; and if she will make a statement.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office has discussed the report with Refugee Action and will continue this dialogue as we examine the detailed findings. We take complaints about performance failures seriously and we have robust procedures in place to inspect, investigate and resolve issues when specific information is received. Asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute can apply for free accommodation and cash support to cover their essential living needs. If they have an emergency need for accommodation they can ask to be put in initial accommodation whilst their applications are being processed and the vast majority of such requests are processed on the same day.

Police Custody

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she expects to publish the independent review into deaths and serious incidents in police custody, announced on 23 July 2015.

Mr Nick Hurd: The review will be published in due course.

Crime: Cheshire

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What steps she has taken to implement the recommendations of the report of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary into crime recording in the Cheshire Police force, published on 15 June 2017; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Nick Hurd: It is vital that recorded crime statistics are as accurate as possible and that victims and the general public can have confidence in the police. When HMIC make force specific recommendations following an inspection, the relevant Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner should ensure they take the required steps to improve crime recording accuracy and the service to victims of crime.

Gender Recognition: Passports

Alex Chalk: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what conclusions on gender and passport markings the Government has drawn from its 2016 survey of International Civil Aviation Association Organisation members.

Brandon Lewis: Responses to the survey are currently being reviewed and a report is aimed to be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Authority in the autumn.

101 Calls

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of calls to the Police 101 number were answered within the target of 30 seconds in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the operating and staffing costs are for call centres delivering the police 101 service for each year for which figures are available.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of calls to the Police 101 number were abandoned by the caller after failing to get a response in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of callers to the Police 101 number waited more than an hour for their call to be answered in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time taken was to answer a call to the Police 101 number in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Police 101 call centres have been (a) closed and (b) merged since 7 May 2015.

Mr Nick Hurd: Responding to 101 calls is an operational matter for policing. The Home Office no longer collects 101 data, but you can find the published data at https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/policeuk/call-handling/101_call_handling_Jun_2014.zip

Slavery: Victim Support Schemes

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when guidance on victim identification and support provided for in section 49 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 will be (a) completed and (b) published.

Sarah Newton: The UK Government has committed to reforming the National Referral Mechanism, which is the process for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery. Interim guidance for frontline staff has been published and we will consult with stakeholders on the statutory guidance required under section 49 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 prior to publication.

Criminal Records: Cross Border Cooperation

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that the UK will continue to have access to the European Criminal Records Information System and Schengen Second Generation Information Services when the UK leaves the EU.

Brandon Lewis: The Prime Minister has made clear that one of the twelve objectives for the negotiations will be to establish a new relationship with the European Union that includes practical arrangements on matters of security and law enforcement cooperation to tackle cross-border crime and to keep our people safe. We continue to work closely with EU partners and we are examining the options for future cooperation arrangements once the UK has left the EU, but it would be wrong to set out unilateral positions on specific measures at this stage.

Slavery

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that the rights to support for victims of modern slavery will be maintained after the UK leaves the EU.

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government plans to bring forward legislative proposals further to protect the rights of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

Sarah Newton: The UK continues to work with EU partners to tackle modern slavery and already has well-established rights and protections for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, including through the National Referral Mechanism and the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

101 Calls: Lancashire

Mr Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average response time for answering 101 calls made to Lancashire Constabulary was in each month between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2017.

Mr Nick Hurd: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to the Hon. Member for West Bromwich East on 17th July 2017, UIN 4264.

Home Office: Mass Media

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many public engagements for which a media calling notice was issued were attended by a departmental Minister in each of the last 12 months.

Sarah Newton: This information is not collated or retained centrally in the Home Office.

Fires: High Rise Flats

Tonia Antoniazzi: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the Secretary of State will review the advice given to residents in tower blocks in the event of a fire.

Mr Nick Hurd: On 22 June the Prime Minister announced a full public inquiry into the events at Grenfell Tower, to be chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick. The Inquiry is designed to ascertain the causes of the tragedy and ensure that the appropriate lessons are learned. In addition, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced a new panel of independent experts to advise Government on the immediate action that is required so the public can be confident everything possible is being done to make sure all buildings are safe as quickly as possible. The panel will also be asked to consider whether there are any changes or clarifications required to existing regulations, and provide advice on possible changes. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant to the risk of fire and undertake any necessary precautions, for example, checking that their smoke alarms are working.

Visas

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the availability of translators and other support services for visa application interviews.

Brandon Lewis: UKVI does not make routine assessments of the availability of translators and support services for visa application interviews. However each of our decision making centres maintains a register of available interpreters that they are able to utilise should an interview be required.

Refugees: Syria

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Syrian families have been resettled in Hackney through the Syrian Resettlement Programme.

Brandon Lewis: Progress on resettlement under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme is indicated in quarterly immigration statistics, and is broken down by each local authority. The last set of statistics, published on 25 May, showed that 11 people have been resettled to Hackney since the scheme began. A total of 7,307 Syrians have been resettled across 235 different local authorities.

Slavery

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will place in the Library a copy of the assessments made by the National Crime Agency which set out the number, gender, sectors and countries of origin of potential victims of modern slavery in the UK.

Sarah Newton: The NCA publishes quarterly and annual statistics on the number, gender, sectors and country of origin of potential victims of modern slavery in the UK. These are available on the NCA website, via the following link:http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/publications/national-referral-mechanism-statistics

Immigration: Appeals

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the implications for the guidance given to Entry Clearance Officers of the recent Court of Appeal judgment relating to the admission to the UK of adult dependent relatives.

Brandon Lewis: The Immigration Rules for the admission to the UK of adult dependent relatives were upheld as lawful by the Court of Appeal on 24 May 2017 in Britcits v The Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWCA Civ 368. We will update the relevant guidance as appropriate in due course.

Central Motorway Police Group

Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the ability of West Mercia Police to provide 24 hour patrols following its withdrawal from the Central Motorway Police Group.

Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Central Motorway Police Group's collaboration with the European Traffic Police Network on improving road safety.

Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Central Motorway Police Group in maintaining network resilience and traffic flow.

Mr Nick Hurd: Decisions on how the police enforce the law and deploy their available resources are the responsibility of individual Chief Officers, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.The Home Office has not made any assessments into the effectiveness of the Central Motorway Police Group’s (CMPG) collaboration with the European Traffic Police Network or in maintaining network resilience and traffic flow or of the ability of West Mercia Police to provide 24 hour patrols.

Radicalism: Finance

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to prevent funding reaching the UK which has originated in countries which have been identified as having funded extremism.

Sarah Newton: The Government laid a Written Ministerial Statement in both Houses on Wednesday 12 July, which conveyed the main findings of the Government’s review into the funding for Islamist extremist activity in the UK. The review was originally committed to by the former Prime Minister, David Cameron, in November 2015. The review produced a classified report. The Written Ministerial Statement conveys the mains findings of the review and the Government’s response. The single most important finding was that the most significant source of funding for Islamist extremism in the UK is small, private donations from UK-based individuals. Often these individuals do not appreciate the extremist credentials of those they are donating to. The Government’s response prioritises tackling the domestic sources of extremism but the Government is committed to tackling all sources, including from overseas. The Government will continue to work with its international partners to combat extremism and where necessary will raise issues of concern in our bilateral relationships. The Counter-Extremism Strategy sets out the Government’s plans for engaging internationally on extremism. The Charity Commission will be introducing a requirement on charities to declare overseas sources of funding to increase transparency in this area.

Immigration Controls: Ports

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of illegal immigrants who have entered the UK through ports in each of the last five years.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office does not hold this information in a format that can be published.

Immigration Controls: Ports

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of border control enforcement at ports across the UK.

Brandon Lewis: Border Force has an established second line assurance function in the Operational Assurance Directorate (OAD). OAD has implemented a nationwide system of frontline assurance including a dedicated port inspection capability which tests compliance with operational policy, guidance and legislation and identifies cross Border Force risks and vulnerabilities.Border Force is also regularly inspected on a systematic basis by external review bodies. Reports are published online by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons, The Independent Management Board, The Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office.

Radicalism

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Written Statement, HCWS39, published on 12 July 2017, on extremism, to the governments of which countries she (a) has made and (b) plans to make representations on countering extremism and violent extremism.

Sarah Newton: The Government laid a Written Ministerial Statement in both Houses on Wednesday 12 July, which conveyed the main findings of the Government’s review into the funding for Islamist extremist activity in the UK. The statement confirms that the Government will continue to raise issues of concern through our bilateral relationships where there is evidence of support for extremism in the UK. The Charity Commission will also be introducing a requirement on charities to declare overseas sources of funding to increase transparency in this area.The Government’s Counter-Extremism Strategy sets out its commitment to tackling extremism in all its forms, including engaging internationally to support our efforts to defeat extremism in the UK. This includes countering the flow of extremism to the UK, whether money, people or ideology; building international partnerships with all those opposed to extremism; and disrupting extremists from entering the UK. The Government engages with a wide range of international partners on these issues and supports implementation of the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and the UN Global CT Strategy. We will continue to work closely with our partners to give further momentum to the UN’s efforts.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much it will cost EU citizens wishing to register to remain in the UK.

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the timetable is for details to be made available to EU citizens on how to register to remain in the UK.

Brandon Lewis: As the Government’s policy paper (C9464) sets out, we recognise that the cost of the new scheme will be important for EU nationals. The UK intends to set fees at a reasonable level.We have been clear that EU citizens will enjoy all of their current residence rights until we exit from the EU, and that they will have time to secure their new status post-exit. However, the Government does intend to introduce a voluntary scheme to enable eligible EU citizens to apply for their permission to stay and residence document before the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. This will enable them to obtain their UK immigration status at an early stage, should they wish to do so, in order to ensure as smooth and efficient process as possible for EU residents here.Details of the new scheme are the subject of ongoing negotiations with the EU and therefore will be set out in due course.

Northern Ireland Office

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 5 July 2017 to Question 2270, on political parties: finance, for what reasons the Government chose 1 July 2017 as the start date.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 5 July 2017 to Question 2270, on political parties: finance, when the Government announced the 1 July 2017 start date.

James Brokenshire: I first announced my intention to bring forward secondary legislation to implement full transparency from 1 July 2017 during my statement to Parliament on 3 July 2017. This is consistent with the commitment set out in the Government's Northern Ireland manifesto at the General Election. I had previously written to the Northern Ireland political parties in January seeking their views on this issue. The parties were also asked about the date from which transparency should take effect. While all parties that responded expressed broad support for the future publication of donations and loans, only one party expressed support for backdating publication.All responses are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/brokenshire-provides-further-details-of-political-donations-policy-to-mps.Having considered the representations of the parties, I did not believe it right to impose retrospective regulations on those who donated in accordance with the rules set out in law at the time.

Political Parties: Northern Ireland

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make it his policy to introduce legislation requiring the Electoral Commission to publish details of all reportable donations and loans received by political parties in Northern Ireland since January 2014.

James Brokenshire: I wrote to the Northern Ireland political parties and to the Electoral Commission in January seeking their views on moving to full transparency and the date from which transparency should take effect. While all parties that responded expressed broad support for the future publication of donations and loans, only one party expressed support for backdating publication to 1 January 2014. All responses are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/brokenshire-provides-further-details-of-political-donations-policy-to-mps. Having considered the representations of the parties, I did not believe it right or fair to impose retrospective regulations on those who donated in accordance with the rules set out in law at the time. The secondary legislation to give effect to full transparency which I propose will therefore apply to donations and loans received on or after 1 July 2017.

Northern Ireland Office: Equality

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the contribution from the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 2 November 2016, Official Report, column 879, what work is being done to progress work to distinguish Gypsies and Travellers using 2011 census classifications in his Department.

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the oral Answer of 2 November 2016, Official Report, column 879, what steps his Department has taken to use 2011 census classifications, including on Gypsies and Travellers, to audit racial disparities in public service outcomes.

Chloe Smith: I refer the hon Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 11 July, UIN 3079.

Michael Hayes

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will discuss with the Irish Government the whereabouts of Michael Christopher Hayes in connection with his involvement in the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974; and whether that person received an on-the-run letter.

James Brokenshire: I hold regular discussions with the Irish Government on a range of issues including security. Existing arrangements are in place between UK police forces and An Garda Síochána to allow for co-operation in criminal investigations. Taking forward criminal investigations is a matter for the operationally independent police. The UK Government does not comment on individual cases. The Government made clear in September 2014 that the on-the-run scheme established by the previous Labour administration was at an end, and that there was no basis for any reliance on letters received under the scheme as a barrier to prosecution should the required evidential test be met. Lady Justice Hallett carried out an independent review in 2014 and while she found that there were significant failures in this process she concluded that these letters did not amount to an amnesty.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Public Libraries: Children

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to bring forward a strategy to ensure that all children have access to local library services.

John Glen: The Libraries Taskforce’s strategy document, Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016 to 2021, sets out a bold and dynamic vision of how library services in England can help transform lives, communities and society as a whole. This includes more people, including children, benefitting from the range of services provided by libraries. Examples of initiatives to encourage increased access by children to libraries include a voluntary scheme introduced by Hampshire County Council that provides parents with the opportunity to sign up their new born babies to their library at the time of registering their birth. The Summer Reading Challenge which promotes reading for children at their local library has resulted in many thousands of children aged 4 – 11 joining a library.

S4C: Reviews

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Teledwyr Annibynol Cymru on the Independent Review of S4C.

Matt Hancock: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 July 2017.The correct answer should have been:

The department has not yet held discussions with Teledwyr Annibynol Cymru on the S4C Review as the review has yet to begin. As set out in the Welsh Conservatives manifesto, the government remains committed to carrying out a review of S4C's remit, governance and funding in 2017 and we will announce more details shortly.The government is committed to review of S4C's remit, governance and funding. Once launched we will discuss with many stakeholders, including Teledwyr Annibynol Cymru.

Matt Hancock: The department has not yet held discussions with Teledwyr Annibynol Cymru on the S4C Review as the review has yet to begin. As set out in the Welsh Conservatives manifesto, the government remains committed to carrying out a review of S4C's remit, governance and funding in 2017 and we will announce more details shortly.The government is committed to review of S4C's remit, governance and funding. Once launched we will discuss with many stakeholders, including Teledwyr Annibynol Cymru.

S4C: Reviews

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions her Department has had with the Welsh Government's Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee on the Independent Review of S4C.

Matt Hancock: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 July 2017.The correct answer should have been:

The department has not yet held discussions with Teledwyr Annibynol Cymru on the S4C Review as the review has yet to begin. As set out in the Welsh Conservatives manifesto, the government remains committed to carrying out a review of S4C's remit, governance and funding in 2017 and we will announce more details shortly.The government is committed to review of S4C's remit, governance and funding. Once launched we will discuss with many stakeholders, including the Welsh Government's Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

Matt Hancock: The department has not yet held discussions with Teledwyr Annibynol Cymru on the S4C Review as the review has yet to begin. As set out in the Welsh Conservatives manifesto, the government remains committed to carrying out a review of S4C's remit, governance and funding in 2017 and we will announce more details shortly.The government is committed to review of S4C's remit, governance and funding. Once launched we will discuss with many stakeholders, including the Welsh Government's Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

21st Century Fox: Sky

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will postpone any decision on the proposed takeover of Sky by 21st Century Fox until after the publication of any report on the second stage of the Leveson Inquiry.

Matt Hancock: As set out in previous statements to the House, the Secretary of State's quasi-judicial responsibilities in relation to the proposed acquisition of Sky by 21st Century Fox will be discharged thoroughly, robustly and transparently. Such decisions must also be taken as promptly as is reasonably practicable.On 29 June the Secretary of State announced that she is minded-to refer the merger to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on media plurality grounds. In coming to a final decision, consideration will be given to the available evidence before her including any further representations received following the call for evidence which closed on 14 July.

S4C: Reviews

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Wales on whether devolution of broadcasting should be included in the remit of the S4C review.

Matt Hancock: The department has regular discussions with the Welsh Office on a range of issues, including the S4C review.

S4C: Reviews

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will include the devolution of broadcasting in the remit of the S4C review.

Matt Hancock: The government is committed to carrying out a review of S4C's remit, governance and funding in 2017. The full scope of the review will be set out in the terms of reference in due course.

Voluntary Work: Young People

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to record how many young people are engaged in full-time social action; and if she will make a statement.

Tracey Crouch: The independent Review of Full Time Social Action by Young People, which is being led by Steve Holliday CBE, aims to establish how many young people are engaged in full-time social action, as well as making recommendations to Government for how full-time social action can be supported in the future. The National Youth Social Action Survey showed that 42% of 10-20 year olds took part in meaningful social action during 2016.

Charities: Fund Raising

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the capacity of smaller charities to fundraise.

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support fundraising mentoring in the charitable sector.

Tracey Crouch: Government is committed to building the resilience and independence of smaller charities. Through our ongoing dialogue with representatives from across the sector, we know that small charities can struggle to raise the resources they need. In recognition of this, the Office for Civil Society in England are providing a multi-year programme of fundraising training and support. In addition to face-to-face training, intensive one-to-one advice sessions and webinars, the programme includes skilled volunteer mentoring, connecting small charities with experienced fundraisers to provide longer term support. The training and support will be provided at little or no cost and the providers will also develop and share fundraising training resources and toolkits to support small charities who might not be able to attend training. Our vision is of a confident and capable sector, with the ability to raise funds from diverse sources. By increasing their long term sustainability, small charities can continue their vital role in helping to build a stronger society.

European Convention on Cinematographic Co-Production

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether it is her policy for the UK to sign up to the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production after the UK leaves the EU.

Matt Hancock: The UK is a Party to the 1992 European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production. This is not affected by the UK's departure from the European Union.

Arts: Finance

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what her policy is on the arms-length principle for the funding of the arts.

John Glen: The Government believes that decisions about arts funding should be taken at arms length from politicians. This is vital to protect freedom of artistic expression. Arts Council England makes decisions about which organisations and projects it funds independently of the Government. This has most recently been demonstrated by its announcement of its proposed funding for its 2018 to 2022 National Portfolio of arts organisations.

National Lottery: Grants

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what her policy is on the additionality principle for the funding of projects from the National Lottery.

Tracey Crouch: Additionality refers to the principle that proceeds of the National Lottery should be used to fund projects, or aspects of projects, for which funds would be unlikely to be made available by government. Lottery distributors are required to set out their policies on additionality in their Annual Reports.

Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press Inquiry

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when she plans to publish her response to the Leveson Inquiry and its implementation.

Matt Hancock: The government is currently considering over 140,000 responses to the consultation on the Leveson Inquiry and its implementation.

Gaming Machines

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make it her policy to reduce the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to £2.

Tracey Crouch: A review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures was launched in October 2016, this includes a close look at fixed odds betting terminals. Responses to the review's call for evidence are being considered and a response will be published in due course.

21st Century Fox: Sky

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will postpone the Fox takeover of Sky until the second half of the Leveson Inquiry has been completed.

Matt Hancock: As set out in previous statements to the House, the Secretary of State's quasi-judicial responsibilities in relation to the proposed acquisition of Sky by 21st Century Fox will be discharged, robustly and transparently. Such decisions must also be taken as promptly as is reasonably practicable. On 29 June the Secretary of State announced that she is minded-to refer the merger to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on media plurality grounds. In coming to a final decision, consideration will be given to the available evidence before her including any further representations received following the call for evidence which closed on 14 July.

Personal Records: Internet

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the Government is taking to educate the public of the potential dangers of posting personal information online.

Matt Hancock: We take the protection of individuals' personal data both online and offline, seriously. The Information Commissioner is the UK's independent authority responsible for administering and enforcing information rights and provides guidance and advice to individuals and organisations on, among other things, the protection of personal data online. The ICO has produced guidance on online safety on its website available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/online/social-networking/ As part of the new computing curriculum introduced in 2014 pupils are taught how to use technology safely and respectfully, how to keep personal information private, recognise inappropriate content and behaviour, and where to go for help if they have any concerns about online content or contact.The Government's National Cyber Security Strategy (2016-2021, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-cyber-security-strategy-2016-to-2021), backed with £1.9 billion investment, funds the Cyber Aware campaign. Cyber Aware is a cross-government awareness and behaviour change campaign which works with a range of public and private sector partners to encourage the public (and Small and Medium Enterprises) to adopt more secure online behaviour like using a strong separate password for your email account and downloading the latest software updates.

Department of Health

General Practitioners: Insurance

Alex Chalk: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will subsidise GP's indemnity costs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Philip Dunne: The cost of indemnity to general practitioners (GPs) is already recognised as a business expense, and reflected in the sums received by GP practices via the GP contract. In recognition of the rising costs of indemnity, NHS England put an extra £30 million in to the GP contract in March 2017 to cover indemnity-related inflation for GPs from 2016-17. A further sum of approximately £30 million will be made available for April 2018. The change in the personal injury discount rate announced by the former Lord Chancellor (Elizabeth Truss) in February 2017 has significantly increased the cost of claims. The Department is working closely with GPs and Medical Defence Organisations to ensure that appropriate funding is available to meet additional costs to GPs, recognising the crucial role they play in the delivery of National Health Service care.

Surrogate Motherhood

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the contribution of Baroness Chisholm on 14 December 2016, Official Report, HL, column 1330, what the timetable is for the remedial order on the provision of parental orders for single parents of children conceived through surrogacy.

Mr Philip Dunne: Drafting work on the remedial order, which will allow single people to apply for a parental order in a surrogacy arrangement, is ongoing. We currently estimate that the remedial order will be laid when Parliament returns after the Summer recess period.

NHS Walk-in Centres: Closures

Graham P Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many hospital walk-in centres have closed between 2010 and 2017.

Mr Philip Dunne: This information is not held centrally. NHS Improvement published a review of walk-in centres in 2014. This can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-walk-in-centre-services-in-england-review

Pregnancy: Advisory Services

Maria Caulfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he plans to increase funding for the provision of practical support to women facing crisis pregnancies who want to keep their child.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Clinical commissioning groups are responsible for commissioning services locally to support women considering whether to continue their pregnancy. The Government’s Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England (2013) sets out that women considering an abortion should be referred or signposted to services which provide impartial, accurate information and, if required, counselling on the options available. This includes National Health Service services and registered independent sector providers who can provide advice on the termination options available as well as information of alternatives to abortion. The Framework is available on the gov.uk website at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-framework-for-sexual-health-improvement-in-england

Health Services: Foreign Nationals

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will estimate the amount accrued to the public purse of measures to recover the costs of using the NHS from overseas nationals in each of the (a) next and (b) last five years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The National Health Service is a national, not an international, service. This Government was the first to introduce tough measures to clamp down on migrants accessing free NHS care, including introducing the immigration health surcharge. The initiatives we have implemented have meant the income identified from visitors and migrants has trebled from £81 million in 2011/12 to £290 million in 2015/16, the last year for which final figures are available. Amounts identified in each of the past years are shown in the following table. Aggregate identified cost recovery income 2011/122012/132013/142014/152015/16Aggregate £m818910097290The amounts identified for the 2016/17 financial year will be made available once NHS trusts and foundation trusts have published their annual accounts.

NHS: Bullying

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he plans to take to reduce rates of staff bullying in the NHS.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Government is committed to reducing staff bullying in the National Health Service. In 2016, the Government in partnership with the Social Partnership Forum, arm’s length bodies, NHS Employers and trade unions, launched the ‘Collective Call to Action’ with leaders across the National Health Service, pledging to making a difference by promoting supportive cultures where staff can flourish and problem behaviours, such as bullying, are tackled. The ‘Collective Call to Action’ invites all organisations to publish their plans and progress on tackling bullying so staff, patients and the public can hold them to account.

Psychiatry: Staff

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans his Department has to increase the number of psychiatrists employed by the NHS.

Mr Philip Dunne: Health Education England is developing a mental health workforce plan, for publication later this year. This plan will set out how we ensure we have the staff, including psychiatrists, in place to deliver the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health. NHS Digital publishes data on National Health Service staff groups. The latest data for March 2017 shows that the number of full time equivalent doctors working in the Psychiatry group in the National Health Service is 8,732.

Abortion

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he has any plans to bring the time limit for abortions on grounds of disability into line with abortions on other grounds.

Jackie Doyle-Price: As with other matters of conscience, abortion is an issue on which the Government adopts a neutral stance. It is accepted Parliamentary practice that proposals for changes in the law on abortion come from backbench members.

Down's Syndrome: Screening

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that people with Down’s syndrome do not feel discriminated against as a result of the introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing for Down’s syndrome.

Mr Philip Dunne: Ministers held a series of stakeholder meetings in March 2017 to listen to the concerns of charity groups and other stakeholders, including The Nuffield Council on Bioethics to discuss their report on the ethics of non invasive prenatal tests (NIPT). Public Health England, is working with a range of stakeholders including the Down’s Syndrome Association, Support Organisation for Trisomy 13/18, the Down Syndrome Research Foundation and Antenatal Results and Choices, to update and develop information for expectant parents and information and training for healthcare professionals, in preparation for the roll out of NIPT as an additional option in the National Health Service Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme in England.

Nurses and Carers: Pay

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the Government’s policy is on maintaining the public sector pay cap for (a) nurses and (b) care workers.

Mr Philip Dunne: National Health Service staff that care for patients in hospital or in the community do a fantastic job. The Government is committed to ensuring NHS organisations can afford to recruit the staff they need so they can continue to deliver world class services patients and their families expect. In the NHS pay, restraint has helped organisations to recruit an additional 33,800 (6.4%) professionally qualified clinical staff since May 2010. Most social care staff are employed by the private or voluntary sector and are not covered by the public sector pay cap. The NHS Pay Review Body recommendation for 2017/18, which includes nurses and midwives was accepted by the Department on 28 March this year.

Lung Diseases

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he last met representatives of the charity Breathe Easy to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: I have not met with representatives of the Breathe Easy support network. However NHS England is continuing to work with clinicians, professional organisations and third sector organisations, including the British Lung Foundation and Asthma UK, to improve outcomes for patients suffering from common lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and asthma.

Social Services: Green Papers

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, on what date he plans to publish the proposed Green Paper on Social Care.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Government will work to address the challenges of social care for our ageing population, bringing forward proposals for consultation to build widespread support. We are committed to listening to people’s views on how to reform the social care system, to ensure it is sustainable for current and future generations and that the quality of care improves. We will provide further details on the next steps on social care in due course.

Hospitals: Insulation

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment has been made of the presence of flammable cladding on hospitals; what the timetable is for assessing all hospital buildings for the presence of such cladding; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Philip Dunne: As part of the response to the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, actions have been implemented across the National Health Service to assess the risks of similar issues and ensure that the NHS estate is safe. The process of checking and testing the NHS’s estate is continuing.Fire safety checks of NHS facilities are regularly undertaken in line with legislation and guidance. Hospitals are well prepared – each one has a tailored fire safety plan, which includes assessment of the provision of fire safety precautions including alarms and evacuation plans. But nothing is more important than the safety of patients and staff, so on a precautionary basis we asked all hospitals to conduct additional checks. Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS Improvement instigated inspections by local fire and rescue services on 24 June 2017. All NHS trusts and foundation trusts were asked to carry out urgent fire safety checks following the Grenfell Tower fire. All NHS trusts have provided assurance that they have undertaken a fire risk assessment in the past 12 months.As of 7 July, six trusts had been identified with buildings with aluminium composite material cladding, and they have therefore initiated additional fire safety precautions.

Breast Cancer: Drugs

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of drugs for the treatment and post-treatment needs of breast cancer patients contain lactose; and what provision is made for breast cancer patients who are intolerant or allergic to lactose.

Steve Brine: Lactose (milk sugar) is commonly used as a diluent in solid oral dosage forms such as tablets and capsules; however is rarely present in oral liquid presentations or parenteral dosage forms, such as injections. While no list of “lactose-free” medicines is maintained, the presence or absence of lactose in any licensed medicine, including those for breast cancer, can be readily identified. Where a medicine contains lactose, this is highlighted, together with the quantity of lactose, within the Summary of Product Characteristics. The package leaflet for that medicine will also highlight in qualitative terms whether the medicine contains lactose. The package leaflet is provided with each pack of medicine sold or dispensed in the United Kingdom. The British National Formulary, a standard medical text in the UK, advises that the lactose content in most medicines is too small to cause problems in most lactose-intolerant patients. However, in patients with severe lactose intolerance, lactose content should be determined before prescribing especially if they are taking several products containing lactose. Clinicians prescribe the medicines and drugs that are most appropriate for their patient, taking into account all relevant factors and guidance. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which is responsible for the regulation of medicines in the UK, will help prescribers to establish the availability of a lactose free version of any particular medicine.

Dental Services

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of the utility of the information provided by the Adult Dental Health Survey in assessing and planning for oral health needs both nationally and locally.

Steve Brine: There has been no formal assessment of the use of previous Adult Dental Health Surveys. The comparable nature of the data facilitates the following uses: for national and local policy makers to design, implement and monitor policies on oral health and dental services; for dental commissioners in NHS England to ensure commissioned services are meeting the needs of the population; for local authorities to fulfil a statutory function to assess the oral health needs of their populations - to inform the adult oral health elements of their joint strategic needs assessments and their local adult oral health improvement plans.

NHS: Security

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has for who will provide staff security and security management advice to primary care contractors after the dissolution of NHS Protect.

Mr Philip Dunne: Employers in the National Health Service are responsible for assessing risks to staff and addressing those risks. Any abuse of NHS staff and primary care contractors is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Any form of abuse should be reported and primary care organisations should have no hesitation in involving the police. The role of NHS Protect was to develop national guidance to assist NHS organisations locally in their security management work. Comprehensive and detailed guidance is available to NHS employers to assist them in assessing and managing the risks accordingly and involving the police where appropriate. The standards for security management work are imposed through the relevant clauses of the standard commissioning contract between commissioners and providers. It is commissioners’ responsibility to ensure that security management standards are met in accordance with the contract. NHS England is responsible for the standard commissioning contract and the clauses within it and the standards to which it refers.

Dental Services: Finance

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the recently concluded pilot on improving access to primary care dentistry in the Bradford City, Bradford Districts and North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group areas, what plans he has to publish his assessment of that pilot; and whether he has plans to provide ongoing funding to improve access to primary care dentistry.

Steve Brine: The primary care dental access pilot, which began on 9 January 2017, was established to build additional capacity in dental practices and provide more appointments for the patients of Kirklees, Dewsbury and Bradford. The scheme, which was originally due to end on 31 March 2017, proved to be successful, so was extended until 30 June 2017. The results of this are currently being analysed and NHS England will make the findings available shortly. NHS England has also confirmed that a costed commissioning plan, based on these findings and the needs of the population, will be considered by the NHS England Yorkshire and Humber Director team over the summer of 2017 and an approach agreed to improve capacity in identified areas.

NHS Professionals: Privatisation

Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress he has made on his plans to sell a majority shareholding in NHS Professionals.

Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the timetable is for selling a majority shareholding in NHS Professionals.

Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what future contractual mechanisms he proposes to ensure that NHS Professionals meets the staffing needs of NHS trusts and delivers value for money to the taxpayer.

Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many expressions of interest he has received from potential joint venture partners in NHS Professionals; and what the names of those partners are.

Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what consultation he has carried out with (a) NHS trusts, (b) NHS staff and (c) the public of his plans to sell a majority shareholding in NHS Professionals.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department announced its intention to sell a majority shareholding in NHS Professionals Ltd (NHSP) in November last year (2016). The Department received a number of expressions of interest following a successful Open Day and a number of responses to pre-qualification documents. The Department is currently in confidential commercial negotiations with interested bidders and cannot comment further on the nature or identity of bids.The aim of this transaction is to ensure that NHSP has the technology, investment, skills and experience to grow for the benefit of both NHS patients and NHS staff. The staff ‘bank’ model works by offering NHS staff the opportunity voluntarily to undertake extra shifts. This enables staff to earn extra money, working in a familiar environment and within a predictable shift pattern. Bank staff are paid at a rate that is generally close to their permanent pay rate.The key commercial feature of the potential transaction is that the Company must act to maintain a business model based on supplying high quality healthcare staff at low margins, to NHS clients. Breach of this principal would give the Department the right to repurchase its shares. The new majority shareholder would run and control the Company, but the minority stake retained by the Department would allow it to benefit from future increases in the value of the Company and also give the Department a seat on the board and oversight of its plans and operations.In 2014 a stakeholder engagement process was undertaken by the Department and NHSP about the future of NHSP which involved talking to NHS trusts and various stakeholders in the Department of Health, NHS Employers and NHS Improvement.NHS Professionals’ NHS clients, staff, representative unions, and registered NHS ‘bank workers’ have been kept advised of the potential sale process since its commencement in July 2016. Prior to the announcement in November 2016 on the intention to sell, an email was shared with all NHS Professionals staff explaining the nature of the process. This information was also shared with trades unions representing staff, with whom prior meetings had also been held.

Dental Services

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he plans for the next Adult Dental Health Survey to be published.

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what funding his Department has made available for the forthcoming  Adult Dental Health Survey.

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he plans for the work of the next Adult Dental Health Survey to commence.

Steve Brine: No decisions have been taken yet on the funding or timing of the next Adult Dental Health Survey.

Compulsorily Detained Mental Patients

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 11 July 2017 to Question 3341, how many people were detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 broken down by the job role of the person who carried out the section in each year since 2010.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 11 July 2017 to Question 3341, how many people were detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 in each age range in each year since 2010.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Section 136 of the Mental Health Act is a power reserved for police officers only. The information is not available in the format requested.

Tobacco: Packaging

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the introduction of standardised packaging of cigarettes on levels of smoking in the UK.

Steve Brine: The Department published an impact assessment of standardised packaging in February 2015. It is too early to make a further assessment of the impact of these changes on levels of smoking in the United Kingdom. The Department has a statutory duty to review the impact of standardised packaging within five years of its introduction.

NHS: Land

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2017 to Question 2926, whether the Government plans to put in place any quotas or requirements for (a) affordable housing or (b) housing for low-paid NHS staff to be built on spare land sold by the NHS; and whether clinical commissioning groups or any other NHS bodies are (i) required and (ii) permitted to put such quotas or requirements in place.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Government is committed to ensuring that National Health Service land is used in a way that ensures the best possible services for patients, the best value for taxpayers in freeing additional resources for reinvestment in new facilities and services, and which supports wider housing objectives. This includes freeing surplus NHS land sufficient for 26,000 homes. As part of this, we recognise that in some areas it may be beneficial for NHS organisations to use their surplus land to provide housing for their staff. We have been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to better understand the housing need for NHS staff, and for the first time have started to collect data on where NHS organisations are already using their land in this way. The need for affordable homes for NHS staff differs across the country, and we are working with the NHS, housing associations, and other partners to explore opportunities for supporting local solutions. It is for individual NHS landowners – predominantly trusts and foundation trusts - to decide how to use their surplus land. These considerations will be based on their local needs and circumstances and will need to support NHS organisations’ requirements to secure best value for money. NHS bodies may choose to develop some affordable housing or housing for NHS staff on their surplus land, but are not obliged to put quotas or requirements in place to do so.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Bristol

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect on Bristol hospitals of the decision to close the accident and emergency department at Weston General Hospital overnight.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS Improvement and NHS England are working closely with the local health community to monitor and manage the impact on neighbouring trusts of the temporary overnight closure of the Weston Area Health NHS Trust’s emergency department.Detailed modelling to evaluate the potential movement of patients to other acute providers overnight both in terms of attendances and admissions was undertaken prior to the decision being taken temporarily to close Weston’s emergency department at night. The situation is being monitored on a daily basis to understand actual patient movement overnight as well as the bed occupancy of each hospital.

Gynaecology: Medical Treatments

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the average time taken from the presentation of symptoms to a GP to the start of treatment for fibroids.

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the average time taken from the presentation of symptoms to a GP to the start of treatment for benign testicular tumours.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS England publishes monthly data on referral to treatment waiting times to monitor performance against the legal right that patients have to start consultant-led treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from referral for non-urgent conditions. The data that are published include the proportion of patients who waited within 18 high volume specialties but not individual procedures such as fibroids or benign testicular tumours. The information requested is therefore not available.

Mental Health Services: Waiting Lists

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of trends in the length of the waiting list for child and adolescent mental health services in (a) the Wirral and (b) England.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Since January 2016, data from NHS Children and Young People’s mental health services has been collected and published as part of the Mental Health Services Dataset. To date, there is insufficient data to analyse trends, but we anticipate such analysis will become possible as the amount of data increases, allowing a greater focus on unwarranted variation.

Mental Health Act 1983

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether his Department plans to consult people with experience of mental illness when carrying out the review of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Queen’s Speech confirmed the Government’s intention to reform mental health legislation, including the Mental Health Act. Details will be published in due course. The Department is committed to working with service users across its responsibilities.

Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many approved mental health clinicians there were in each year since 2010.

Mr Philip Dunne: The number of approved mental health clinicians is not collected centrally.

Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many approved mental health professionals there were in each year since 2010.

Mr Philip Dunne: The number of approved mental health professionals is not collected centrally.

Department of Health: Private Finance Initiative

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will publish the value-for-money framework applied by his Department to all private finance projects.

Mr Philip Dunne: In November 2011 the Coalition Government announced a complete reform of the private finance initiative (PFI) model after a review. This recognised the need to address the widespread concerns with PFI – too slow and expensive; too inflexible and a lack of transparency. A new Public Private Partnership model to replace the PFI was announced in 2012, Private Finance 2 (PF2). Key features of the new PF2 model include the Government co-investing in projects as a minority shareholder to strengthen the partnership working and share in any returns and exclusion of 'soft' facilities management services such as cleaning and catering to improve flexibility. As part of PFI review the Coalition Government undertook to revise the value for money guidance. Further guidance was published in December 2012.

Blood: Contamination

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the number of people in Wales who (a) have died or (b) are still suffering from blood contamination in each year for which data is available.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Department does not hold the information in the format requested.

NHS Professionals: Privatisation

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Answer of 16 January to Question 59563, on privatisation: NHS Professionals, what the total cost has been of advice commissioned by the Government for external consultants and lawyers on the proposed privatisation of NHS Professionals.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the timetable is for the proposed privatisation of NHS Professionals; and by what date he plans to finalise the sale of a majority shareholding in that company.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he plans to hold a public consultation on the proposed privatisation of NHS Professionals.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will publish the names of the bidders competing for the contracts to run NHS Professionals.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department announced its intention to sell a majority shareholding in NHS Professionals Ltd in November last year (2016). The Department received a number of expressions of interests following a successful Open Day and a number of responses to pre-qualification documents. The Department is currently in confidential commercial negotiations with interested bidders and cannot comment further on the nature or identity of bids. The Department will disclose the full cost of the process upon its completion.In 2014 a stakeholder engagement process was undertaken by the Department and NHS P about the future of NHS P which involved talking to National Health Service trusts and various stakeholders in the Department, NHS Employers and NHS Improvement.NHS Professionals’ NHS clients, staff, representative unions, and registered workers have been kept advised of the potential sale process since its commencement in July 2016. Prior to the announcement in November 2016 on the intention to sell, an email was shared with all NHS Professionals staff explaining the nature of the process. This information was also shared with trades unions representing staff, with whom, prior meetings had also been held.

Health Centres: Birmingham

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Health and Wellbeing Centre in College Green, Birmingham, which has been approved for investment from the NHS Estates Technology and Transformation Fund is completed on schedule.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS England has advised that the building of the new Health and Wellbeing Medical Centre is supported in principle for funding through the Estates and Technology Transformation Fund, subject to due diligence checks, including a value for money exercise. NHS England is working closely with Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group and remains fully committed to keeping this scheme on track, subject to satisfactory completion of checks. To support the progress of the scheme, NHS England has provided funding to assist the development of the Outline Business Case for the project.

NHS Professionals: Privatisation

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 5 July 2017 to Question 1506, on NHS Professionals: privatisation, what estimate he has made of the annual saving to the public purse.

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 5 July 2017 to Question 1506, on NHS Professionals: privatisation, what the cost has been of the procurement process to date.

Mr Philip Dunne: A key commercial feature of the sale transaction is that NHS Professionals Ltd (NHSP) must act to maintain a business model based on supplying high quality healthcare staff at low margins to National Health Service clients. Breach of this principal gives the Department the right to repurchase its shares.As part of the competitive bidding process, bidders were required to submit business plans indicating how growing NHSP will help reduce NHS spend through a combination of greater use of ‘bank’ over agency staff, growth of products such as locum doctors and international recruitment, growth in market share, and reduced costs to customers.The Department is currently in confidential commercial negotiations with interested bidders and cannot comment further on the nature or identity of bids. The Department will disclose the full cost of the process upon its completion.

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate his Department has made of the potential number of qualified medical staff who might leave the NHS as a result of the proposed closure of congenital heart disease services at the Royal Brompton Hospital.

Mr Philip Dunne: No decision has been made to close the Congenital Heart Disease service at the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust.

Marske Medical Centre

Anna Turley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of Marske Medical Centre on waiting times for primary medical care services at neighbouring practices.

Steve Brine: NHS England is in close contact with the local practices who are registering patients from Marske Medical Practice and have been asked to identify if there are any concerns or issues with capacity since the closure of Marske Medical Centre. The majority of practices are reporting no impact on appointment availability. In some cases, practices have taken on additional clinical staff to manage the increased workload.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of alcohol-related admissions into hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: In 2015/16 there were an estimated 339,000 hospital admissions in England where alcohol was the main reason for admission. Numbers and rates have been largely unchanged since 2009/10. This data is published annually in the Public Health Outcomes Framework which is available at the following link:http://www.phoutcomes.infoThe Local Alcohol Profiles for England are available at the following link:https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/local-alcohol-profiles

Lung Diseases

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of funding for research into lung disease; and if he will make a statement.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Expenditure on respiratory disease research by the Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has increased by over two thirds from £15.7 million in 2009/10 to £26.7 million in 2015/16 (the latest available figure). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including lung disease. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. In all disease areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Tidal Power

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the tidal energy industry on support for that sector.

Richard Harrington: My Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State, his Ministers and officials have engaged frequently with stakeholders across the Department’s portfolio of responsibilities.

UK Coal Forum: Meetings

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the dates were on which the Coal Forum met in each of the last three years; and when he plans to call a further meeting of that forum.

Richard Harrington: The Coal Forum was set up following the 2006 Energy Review in order to bring together Government and the coal industry to work to “secure the long-term future of coal-fired power generation and UK coal production”. The Forum most recently met on 10th February 2016, 3rd February 2015 and 27th January 2014. Members of the Coal Forum have met officials within the Department more regularly.I have this week written to the Independent Chair of the Forum to set out my view that it has now served its purpose and should formally be wound down. Officials and I will of course continue to engage with representatives from the industry as and when appropriate.

Science: Finance

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his Department's budget is for science spending for each year until the target of 2.3 per cent of GDP has been achieved.

Joseph Johnson: Science, Research and Innovation will be at the heart of our Industrial Strategy and this Government has bold ambitions to increase R&D and back industries of the future. Our vision to reach R&D investment of 2.4% of GDP within ten years and 3% in the longer-term is part of this. The Government clearly demonstrated its commitment to science and research in the 2016 Autumn Statement, committing an additional £4.7 billion to R&D funding covering both science and innovation over the period 2017/18 to 2020/21. This equates to an extra £2 billion a year by 2020/21, the biggest increase in any parliament since 1979.

Low Pay: Sharing Economy

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of workers being paid less than the national minimum wage in the gig economy.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Modern Working Practices Review

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to implement the findings of the Taylor review of modern working practices; and when he will implement those findings.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Trade Unions

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to implement the findings of the Taylor review of modern working practices on trade union representation.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Job Security

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to implement the findings of the Taylor review of modern working practices on insecurity in the work place.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Cancer

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on NHS cancer patients of the Government’s decision for the UK to leave Euratom.

Richard Harrington: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Small Businesses: Scotland

Stephen Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on strategic initiatives to support small businesses in Scotland; and what the agreed steps to be taken were at those discussions.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Solar Power

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to invest in solar energy over the course of the current Parliament.

Richard Harrington: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Energy Supply

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to reduce dependence on non-renewable sources of energy.

Richard Harrington: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Leave: Voluntary Work

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to bring forward proposals for three days of paid volunteering leave for employees.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Fracking: Scotland

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to support the shale industry in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Harrington: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Telephone Services: Fees and Charges

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress he has made on the planned review of the implementation of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations with regard to the provision of basic rate customer helplines.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Wind Power: Seas and Oceans

Rebecca Long Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what proportion of the UK's offshore wind sector is owned by UK investors and companies.

Richard Harrington: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Voluntary Work: Leave

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he plans to introduce a new workplace entitlement to volunteering leave for three days a year.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Gratuities

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Answer of 20 December 2016 to Question 57781, when his Department plans to announce the outcome of the tips, gratuities, cover and service charges: proposals for further action consultation which ended on 27 June 2016.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Ministry of Defence

Syria: Military Intervention

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what forms of military support the UK has given to the Syrian Democratic Forces who are taking part in the ground assault against Daesh in Raqqa.

Mark Lancaster: The RAF provides close air support in the form of airstrikes on Daesh targets, which assist the Syrian Democratic Forces on the ground in taking the fight to Daesh in places such as Raqqah.

Syria: Military Intervention

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the activities of its military partners in the counter-Daesh offensive in Syria are consistent with international laws aimed at protecting civilians in armed conflicts.

Mark Lancaster: Through the Coalition, we impress on all local partner forces in the fight against Daesh the importance of respect for the Law of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law.

Ministry of Defence: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average number of bids received for each contract put out to tender by his Department was in each year since 2010.

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of public procurement contracts his Department awarded through framework agreements in each year since 2010.

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many contracts put out to tender by his Department have been (a) cancelled and (b) re-tendered in each year since 2010.

Harriett Baldwin: The Ministry of Defence awards thousands of contracts a year. Information about these is published in the Trade Industry & Contracts Statistical Bulletin which is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-trade-industry-and-contracts-2016Information on whether these contracts are awarded through framework contracts is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Similarly, tender and bid information is held with individual commercial teams and again could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Army: Foreign Nationals

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to recruit foreign soldiers.

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department’s policy is on lifting the cap on the number of overseas soldiers recruited to the British Army.

Mark Lancaster: To be eligible to join the British Armed Forces individuals must be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen. In addition, the British Army recruits Nepalese citizens into the Brigade of Gurkhas. Commonwealth citizens are required to have lived legally in the UK for a period of five years before enlistment. In May 2016, in agreement with the Home Office, we announced that for up to 200 Commonwealth citizens per annum this residency criteria would be waived to allow for recruitment into specialist roles in the Regular Armed Forces. This policy remains extant. The Army has received very high numbers of applications for these specialist roles and fills its share.

Army: Recruitment

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to recruit and retain more soldiers.

Mark Lancaster: The Army continues to offer exciting opportunities and the Armed Forces is the biggest provider of apprenticeships in the UK. Over 8,000 people have been recruited into the Regular Army over the past 12 months and Army Reserve numbers reached over 30,000 as of 1 May 2017, an increase of over 5% from the following year. The Army is currently running the nationwide 'Belonging' recruitment campaign. We also continue to take steps to ensure that the Armed Forces are a modern employer, including through introduction of flexible working arrangements. This is complemented by the Chief of General Staff's 'maximising talent' agenda which aims to modernise Army career structures, training and education to ensure that it attracts, develops and retains talented people from across society.

Armed Forces: Blaenau Gwent

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the armed forces have been recruited from the Blaenau Gwent postcode area in the last five years.

Mark Lancaster: The Ministry of Defence does not hold this information in the format requested.

Afghanistan: War Crimes

Will Quince: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many cases have been opened as part of Operation Northmoor; and how many of those cases have been (a) closed and (b) remain ongoing.

Mark Lancaster: Our Armed Forces are rightly held to the highest standards and credible, serious allegations of criminal behaviour must be investigated, in accordance with the Armed Forces Act 2006. Operation Northmoor is an independent investigation conducted by the Royal Military Police (RMP). It has discounted over 90% of the 675 allegations received because there was no evidence of a criminal or disciplinary offence. To date no case has been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority but the investigations continue and the investigators will follow the evidence where it leads them. The RMP has full investigative independence and the Ministry of Defence has not influenced in any way the scope and duration of Operation Northmoor.

Ministry of Defence: Assets

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what stocks of (a) antiques, (b) paintings and (c) fine wines are held by his Department; if he will list any such assets sold over the last five years together with the sale proceeds from such transactions; and whether he plans to sell further such assets.

Harriett Baldwin: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.The Ministry of Defence art collection has been disestablished and ownership of the most significant antiques and paintings transferred to other public institutions in order to ensure their continued protection and public display. The written ministerial statement of 12 May 2016 (Reference HLWS698) states the art collection was to be transferred on an unvalued basis. In accordance with the Department for Culture Media and Sport policy the collection as a whole was not valued, meaning the items were gifted to the public institutions. No items from the collection have been sold as it is against normal practice to sell any artwork.

Ministry of Defence: Government Hospitality

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the value was of repayments his Department made to Government Hospitality for wines and spirits in each of the last five years.

Harriett Baldwin: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.The Government Hospitality Fund is run by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the benefit of Ministers across Government.

Syria: Military Intervention

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 27 October 2016 to Question 49899, what assessment he has made of the implications of his Department’s policies of the announcement by the Russian defence ministry that it is halting cooperation with the US within the framework of the Memorandum on the Prevention of Incidents and Ensuring Air Safety in Syria.

Mark Lancaster: The mechanisms that cover the de-confliction of Syrian airspace remain in place. The UK takes all steps necessary to ensure the safety of its aircraft operating in Syrian airspace, which includes reacting to the changing threat profiles.

Syria: Peace Negotiations

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the US and Russian Federation’s ceasefire deal in South-West Syria.

Mark Lancaster: We welcome - and will support - any initiative which will bring about a peaceful resolution to the civil war in Syria. The ceasefire will not have any implications for the UK's policies for Syria which are focussed on the fight against Daesh.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of the workshare for support and maintenance contracts for the planned P-8 Poseidon fleet he plans to have fulfilled by UK-based companies.

Harriett Baldwin: Nine P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft are being procured for use by the UK Armed Forces, with delivery of the first one expected in 2019. While initial support will be provided in the USA as part of the foreign military sale arrangement with the US Government, work is under way to define the support requirements from 2020 onwards. The opportunities arising from these will be managed through normal procurement routes, and UK businesses will be encouraged to participate in any competitions for this work. In advance of this, two industry days have already been held near Lossiemouth to highlight supply chain opportunities for local businesses.

Nuclear Weapons

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral Answer of 10 July 2017, Official Report, column 23, to the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran, for what reasons it is Government policy that the nuclear ban treaty should not apply to the UK.

Sir Michael Fallon: The UK will never sign, ratify or become party to the treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons. We do not believe that it will bring us closer to a world without nuclear weapons as it fails to address the key issues that must first be overcome to achieve lasting global nuclear disarmament. We consider that the best way to achieve a world without nuclear weapons is through gradual multilateral disarmament negotiated using a step-by-step approach within existing international frameworks. The UK continues to work towards global nuclear disarmament through the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Apache AH-64 Helicopters

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of support and maintenance contracts for the planned UK AH-64E Apache fleet will be fulfilled by UK-based companies.

Harriett Baldwin: We have sought an initial two year package of support for the 50 AH-64E helicopters from the US Government as part of the Foreign Military Sales agreement. We do not expect to place a contract for the subsequent long-term support services until 2020. Subject to demonstrating value for money, we intend that Boeing Defence UK will be the prime contractor for this work, and we anticipate that the breadth of AH-64E support activities in the UK will be broadly similar to those conducted on the current Apache Mk1. The exact nature of the supply chain will not be determined until much closer to the contract award date.

Nuclear Weapons: Testing

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any environmental remediation to areas contaminated by the testing of British nuclear warheads in (a) the Nevada nuclear test site, (b) Montebello Island, Maralinga and Emu Field, Australia, (c) Malden Island and Kiritimati and (d) any location from which uranium used in the manufacture of nuclear warheads was procured has been carried out.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK Government has not undertaken any environmental remediation at the Nevada test site. In 1993, following a report of the Australian Royal Commission on the conduct of British nuclear tests in Australia, the UK Government made an ex gratia payment of £20 million to the Australian Government. This payment was part of a full and final settlement of the UK Government's liability for any claims resulting from the British test programme. The Ministry of Defence has made evaluations of residual contamination on Christmas Island: the last in 1998 concluded that any required remediation had been undertaken. The Ministry of Defence has made no evaluation of the locations from which uranium used in the manufacture of UK nuclear warheads was procured, nor made any environmental remediation.

Falkland Islands: Air Routes

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what costs have been incurred as a result of the re-routing of the South Atlantic air bridge.

Mark Lancaster: It is too early to provide details of costs related to the re-routing of the South Atlantic air bridge covering items such as fuel, handling and landing fees and these will be tracked and recorded.

Ministry of Defence: Uber

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department spent on services provided by Uber in each of the last three years.

Harriett Baldwin: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 February 2017 to Question 64371 to the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Iain Wright).



Ministry of Defence: Uber
(Word Document, 13.92 KB)

Armed Forces: Royal Household

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many armed forces personnel have been attached to the Royal Household in each year since 2013-14; and what the cost of such attachments has been in each of those years.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Members of the Armed Forces are attached to the Royal Household in order to provide support to the Head of State and manage the extensive involvement and interaction of the Royal Family with the UK military at home and abroad. They also support state ceremonial events and formal, state-sponsored visits by members of the Royal Family. Information on Armed Forces personnel permanently attached to the Royal Household is provided in the following table. Financial yearService personnel permanently attached to the Royal HouseholdApproximate cost (£)2013-1410800,0002014-1510800,0002015-1610890,0002016-1710930,000

Animal Welfare

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has paid out in compensation for the killing of or injury to animals and livestock in each of the last three years.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Compensation paid by the Ministry of Defence for the killing of or injury to animals and livestock in each of the last three years was: 2014 £195,668.352015 £132,210.452016 £224,871.89 This equates to an average of £184,250.23 over the last three years. The hon. Member may wish to note the average for the years 2005 to 2009 was £325,095.25. 2009 £266,229.142008 £400,474.152007 £321,143.612006 £244,657.682005 £392,971.65

Foot and Mouth Disease

Will Quince: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any animals affected by foot and mouth have been buried on his Department's land in Colchester known as Middlewick Ranges.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: There are no animals that died as a result of foot and mouth disease buried on Middlewick Ranges.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Department for Communities and Local Government: Redundancy

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many staff have left or agreed settlements to leave his Department under (a) voluntary exit, (b) voluntary redundancy and (c) compulsory redundancy since 1 November 2016; and how much compensation was paid in those cases.

Mr Marcus Jones: Details of the number, type, compensation levels and cost of exits from the Department for Communities and Local Government are routinely published in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/624324/59955_DCLG_ARA_2017_Web_Accessible.pdf

Refuges

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the availability of domestic violence refuges for women across local authorities.

Mr Marcus Jones: Domestic Abuse is a devastating crime and we are determined to ensure that women, regardless of their circumstances, should receive the support they need when they need it, as we made clear in the Violence Against Women and Girls StrategyLocal areas are best placed to understand local needs and the government has devolved power and responsibility for meeting those needs accordingly. However, we expect local areas to do the right thing and provide services that are responsive to the needs of victims of domestic abuse. Local areas should assess their need for domestic abuse services and make decisions on the provision of refuges and support to fit the identified needs for women and children, both from within and outside of their local area.To help meet this challenge, since 2014 we have provided £33.5 million in direct government funding to support victims of domestic abuse. We were clear in the prospectus for our £20 million fund that we were looking for local authorities to join up and work collaboratively across boundaries to strengthen provision of specialist accommodation, including refuges, as well as protect assets of national significance such as the very specialist refuges which provide culturally specific and sensitive services.Alongside the fund, we published our new 'Priorities for Domestic Abuse Services', developed with partners from the domestic abuse sector, which set out for the first time what local areas need to do to ensure an effective response to meeting the needs of all domestic abuse victims.In line with our commitment in the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy we will be working with local authorities to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of our interventions, so that we can be assured that victims of domestic abuse are receiving the help they need when they need it, and that all areas are rising to the level of the best.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will make it compulsory for a declaration of disability to feature on local authority application forms for (a) discretionary housing and (b) hardship payment.

Mr Marcus Jones: Holding answer received on 13 July 2017



Local authorities are responsible for designing their own application process for discretionary housing payments and any local welfare provision scheme they run.

Building Regulations: Fires

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 750, on building regulations: fires, if the Government will make an assessment of the merits of bringing forward legislative proposals on installing automatic fire suppression systems in all new build residential premises.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Building Regulations: Fires

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 750, on building regulations: fires, if the Government will make an assessment of the merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to require the retrofitting of automatic fire suppression systems in all residential premises.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Building Regulations: Fires

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 750, on building regulations: fires, what progress his Department has made on simplifying the fire safety guidance relating to Building Regulations (Approved Document B).

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Building Regulations: Fires

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 750, on building regulations: fires, when his Department plans to publish new fire safety guidance.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Building Regulations: Fires

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 750, on building regulations: fires, whether his Department plans to call for written submissions when reviewing fire safety guidance relating to Building Regulations (Approved Document B).

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Homelessness: Task Forces

Mr Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will set out the (a) remit, (b) membership, (c) timetable and (d) resources of the proposed Homelessness Reduction Taskforce.

Mr Marcus Jones: We will be implementing manifesto commitments to help those at risk of becoming homeless, already sleeping rough or with complex needs, to support them to lead more independent lives. We aim to halve rough sleeping by 2022 and eliminate it altogether by 2027. The remit of the Homelessness Reduction Taskforce will include looking at prevention and affordable housing. In addition we will pilot a Housing First approach to tackle rough sleeping.Homelessness is a wide-ranging and complex set of issues. That is why we aim to set up the Homelessness Reduction Taskforce with the right membership to drive these commitments forward.

Social Rented Housing

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will rank each English local authority by the change in the number of social housing units in ach such local authority since (a) 1987, (b) 1997 and (c) 2007.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Homelessness: Ethnic Groups

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what the change was in the proportion of homeless household (a) applications and (b) acceptances who were BAME over the last 10 years.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Homelessness: Social Rented Housing

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what proportion of nominations to (a) local authorities and (b) registered social landlord properties were homeless households in each of the last 10 years.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

High Rise Flats: Fire Prevention

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 July 2017 to Question 2992, whether he plans that the resources to ensure the fire safety of social housing will be made available based on new fire safety regulations arising out of the Grenfell Tower fire or on existing fire regulations.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman on ensuring that the requirements within the Data Protection Act 1998 are upheld by the organisations within his remit.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman on ensuring that the requirements within the Equality Act 2010 are upheld by the organisations within his remit.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, which is independent of both central and local government, investigates complaints by individuals about local public services and all registerable social care providers throughout England, and can make recommendations for redress. Ministers meet the Ombudsman from time to time, and discuss a range of matters relating to the work of the organisation.

Fire Prevention: Safety

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to include phenolic foam in fire safety tests of cladding and insulation materials being undertaken in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Rate Support Grants: Non-domestic Rates

Mr Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to replace the rate support grant with business rates.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Government has a Manifesto commitment to continue to give local government greater control over the money they raise locally. We will collaborate closely with local government over the coming months about how we achieve this, including through revenue support grant and business rates.

Housing Market

Rebecca Long Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph A.143 of Fixing Our Broken Housing Market, published on 7 February 2017, when his Department will issue guidance to clarify the meaning of backing of affected local communities.

Alok Sharma: We are currently considering the responses to the consultation, which closed on 2 May, and will respond in due course.

Housing: Derelict Land

Stephen Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with local authorities on the development of brownfield sites for housing in England.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Insulation: Testing

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what the timetable is for local authorities being permitted to submit for testing at the building Research  Establishment cladding samples that are not of the aluminium composite material construction used on Grenfell Tower.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Council Tax: Fees and Charges

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether his Department hold data on the number of councils who have credit card charges in place for payment of council tax by credit card.

Mr Marcus Jones: That information is not held by the Department.

*No heading*

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether he has plans to bring forward legislative proposals to tackle abuses in the leasehold sector.

Alok Sharma: The Housing White Paper states that the Government will act to promote fairness and transparency for leaseholders. It is our intention to consult, as soon as practicable, on proposals to reform leasehold.

*No heading*

Mary Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to increase the engagement of community organisations in decision making on Neighbourhood Plans.

Alok Sharma: Over 2,100 groups have started the neighbourhood planning process in areas covering nearly 12 million people. Over 360 plans have successfully passed referendum.The Neighbourhood Planning Act will further boost community engagement, providing a powerful set of tools for local people to get the development that their communities need.

*No heading*

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what reports he has received from local authorities of racist abuse by or towards electoral candidates during the 2017 General Election.

Sajid Javid: I am well aware of the many election candidates who suffered vile abuse and even death threats during the 2017 General Election campaign, many of whom shared their experiences in Westminster Hall last week. All such abuse is unacceptable no matter who it is aimed at.

*No heading*

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what progress he is making on a devolved settlement for Yorkshire.

Jake Berry: In 2015 Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield agreed a devolution deal with government. Each twice reaffirmed this commitment when consenting to parliamentary orders.It is now for those local councils consult on the new powers.While devolution discussions are ongoing elsewhere in Yorkshire, government remains committed to the existing South Yorkshire deal.

*No heading*

Edward Argar: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what progress the Government has made on building more homes.

Alok Sharma: We are committed to building 1 million homes by 2020, and 1.5 million by 2022. We have made good progress with nearly 190,000 new homes delivered in 2015/16. We have got the country building again with nearly 900,000 homes delivered since 2010 and housing supply reaching its highest level in eight years.

*No heading*

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to support coastal communities.

Jake Berry: Since 2012 we have invested £170 million across the UK in 278 Coastal Community Fund projects. We have provided £1.46 million to help establish 146 Coastal Community Teams in England.

*No heading*

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the trend in the number of new homes available for social rent since 2010.

Alok Sharma: Since 2010 we have delivered nearly 333,000 affordable homes, including over 240,000 homes for rent.The number of new homes for social rent has declined because the government is building homes for Affordable Rent.These require less subsidy, meaning more homes can be built for every pound spent.

Scotland Office

Scotland Office: Social Media

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 1974, if he will publish the artwork and text of each of the adverts used by his Department during March 2017.

David Mundell: The adverts in question have already been published on Facebook and Twitter.

Scotland Office: Social Media

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 1974, what social media platforms were included in his Department's social media spend during March 2017.

David Mundell: The platforms that were used in the Scotland Office’s social media spend during March 2017 were Facebook and Twitter.

Scotland Office: Social Media

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 1974, what demographics were targeted by his Department's social media spend during March 2017.

David Mundell: Audience targeting has been used in Scotland Office social media activity during March 2017, in line with the recommendations published in the Government Communications Service OASIS planning framework. This activity used age and gender demographic targeting.

Scotland Office: Equality

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, with reference to the contribution from the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 2 November 2016, Official Report, column 879, what work is being done to progress work to distinguish Gypsies and Travellers using 2011 census classifications in his Department.

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, with reference to the oral Answer of 2 November 2016, Official Report, column 879, what steps his Department has taken to use 2011 census classifications, including on Gypsies and Travellers, to audit racial disparities in public service outcomes.

David Mundell: I refer the hon Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 11 July, UIN 3079.

Scotland Office: Social Media

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 1974, what geographical areas were targeted by his Department's social media spend during March 2017.

David Mundell: The geographical area targeted by the Scotland Office’s social media spend during March 2017 was Scotland.

Department for International Trade

Overseas Trade: Africa

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Africa on the Future of the Africa-UK Trade and development cooperation relations in the transitional and post Brexit period, published in February 2017.

Greg Hands: I thank the hon Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central for her work on this report which highlights the importance of trade for developing countries, and examines the European Economic Partnership Agreements.This department’s first priority is to deliver continuity in our trading arrangements on leaving the EU. The announcement on 25 June, that we will secure existing duty-free access for the world’s poorest countries to UK markets and aim to maintain current access for developing countries, supports this.This government remains a long-standing supporter of Economic Partnership Agreements and continues to listen to our partners’ views on how to maximise their benefits.

Department for International Trade: Official Cars

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many Departmental Pool Car Services have been provided to his Department since it was created; and what the country of origin was of each such car.

Greg Hands: Since the department’s creation in July 2016 one car has been provided as part of the Department Pool Car Services. This car, was manufactured and built in the UK.

Balance of Trade: Food

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, What the overall trade surplus was in (a) strawberries, (b) cream, (c) cheddar cheese and (d) gin in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Mark Garnier: In the 12 months to 1st June 2017, the UK reported a trade surpluses of £175m in milk and cream, £30m in Cheddar cheese and £471m in Gin, and a trade deficit of £168m in fresh strawberries (Source: HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/BuildYourOwnTables/Pages/Home.aspx).The Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) nomenclature, an internationally standardised system used to classify traded products, does not provide a unique code for cream. Rather, milk and cream are grouped together.

Department for Transport

Bus Services Act 2017

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to issue the statutory regulations and guidance to the Bus Services Act 2017.

Jesse Norman: The consultation on a number of key draft regulations and pieces of guidance concluded on 21st March this year. Following the consultation, the Department has been working to consider the consultation responses and to amend and update the draft regulations and guidance appropriately. The aim is to have the key regulations and guidance in place in the autumn.

Public Transport: Staff

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that all public-facing transport staff receive disability awareness training.

Paul Maynard: The Department for Transport is committed to building transport networks that work for everyone, including ensuring disabled people have the same access to transport services as everybody else. This includes ensuring that appropriate training is provided for those in public-facing roles. The precise requirements vary from one transport mode to another. On the railways, by virtue of their operating licence, all train operators are required to provide disability awareness training to all their frontline staff. On buses, disability awareness training will become mandatory for all bus drivers from March 2018 onwards and we will support the bus industry and training accreditors to implement it, ensuring drivers have the skills and knowledge to provide passengers with appropriate assistance. In aviation, Article 11 of the Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 requires both airports and air carriers to provide disability-equality and disability-awareness training to all staff who work at the airport and deal with the travelling public. Compliance to the Regulation is monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In the maritime sector, ship owners and port terminal operators are required to train staff to a high level so they are able to assist and support disabled passengers. Training includes awareness, assisting those with impaired vision and helping those with assistance dogs. The requirements are enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) acting in its capacity as the National Enforcement Body.

Road Traffic

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will list the 20 Highways England controlled A-roads which experience the largest increase in traffic during the summer.

Jesse Norman: The 20 Highways England controlled A-roads that see the largest increases in traffic during the summer are listed as follows: Road NumberPercentage increase in flow during summerRoad Length (Miles)A45823.1%12.4A3019.2%116.8A207016.1%14.5A49415.0%4.7A3113.1%36.4A30312.6%98.6A3511.6%31.0A59010.7%20.0A25910.1%26.5A648.5%60.7A208.3%7.4A6287.6%8.5A116.6%37.0A476.0%93.9A235.6%8.1A4835.4%6.7A345.4%45.4A265.4%8.4A435.0%31.4A664.9%68.0 This has been estimated by comparing observed average daily traffic flows across the 6 week period from Monday 25 July 2016 to Sunday 3 September 2016 with the 6 week period from Monday 12 September 2016 to Sunday 16 October 2016. These dates represent the 6 weeks of peak school summer holiday compared to the closest 6 weeks of normal working weeks that were unaffected by school holidays or bank holidays.

Department for Transport: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average number of bids received for each contract put out to tender by his Department was in each year since 2010.

Mr John Hayes: The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Traffic Lights

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will regulate the use of mobile traffic lights to ensure sufficient warning is given to road users.

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what powers (a) his Department and (b) local authorities have to charge operators for its installation of mobile traffic lights.

Jesse Norman: Neither the Department nor local authorities have powers to charge operators for using portable traffic signals. In any event, the decision as to whether to use portable traffic signals or some other form of traffic management at a particular street or road works site should be determined by reference to the guidance in our statutory code of practice Safety at Street Works and Road Works and a site-specific risk assessment. It would not be appropriate to charge operators for using portable traffic signals if they considered them to be necessary for safety. To comply with the statutory code of practice Safety at Street Works and Road Works, operators that propose using portable traffic signals also have to obtain permission from the relevant highway authority before they are installed. The highway authority can reject such proposals if they do not consider them to be appropriate. We believe that sufficient controls are in place, and therefore have no plans to regulate the use of portable traffic signals further.

Unmanned Air Vehicles: Airports

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing legislative proposals on the control and use of drones in the immediate vicinity of airports.

Mr John Hayes: The Government takes the safety risks of drones to aviation very seriously. We have already taken action on this by working with the Civil Aviation Authority and industry to raise awareness of the rules amongst drone operators and the general public. The Government intends to introduce further measures once we have fully analysed the evidence presented through our consultation process. We are exploring options, such as improving deterrents for the misuse of drones and measures to improve communication to drone users of ‘no drone flying zones’, including around airports. The Government response to the consultation will be published in the near future.

Crofton against HS2

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will meet the Crofton Against HS2 campaign before the next major announcement on Phase 2 of High Speed 2.

Paul Maynard: I am happy to meet with the Crofton Against HS2 group, subject to diary commitments.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will meet with the hon. Member for Hemsworth before the next major announcement on Phase 2 of High Speed 2.

Paul Maynard: I am always happy to meet with my honourable colleague, subject to diary commitments.

Railway Stations: Access

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many and what proportion of UK railway stations have had steps but no lift access in each year since 2010.

Paul Maynard: We are committed to improving the accessibility of the rail network. Whenever the industry installs, replaces or renews station infrastructure this needs to meet current EU and UK accessibility standards or a dispensation needs to be secured. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to enforcement action by the Office of Rail and Road. Information on the facilities available at stations in Great Britain is collated and held by the Rail Delivery Group and not the Department.

Govia Thameslink Railway

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much has been repaid to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to allow for lost revenue as a consequence of industrial action; how much has been set aside for associated passenger compensation; and how much Network Rail has paid to GTR as compensation for infrastructure upgrade delays.

Paul Maynard: Under the terms of Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise Agreement revenue risk lies with the Department. This means that GTR do not retain passenger revenue. No additional money has been set aside for passenger compensation due as a result of current industrial action. However this will be kept under review. The Department does not hold information on payments between Network Rail and franchised operators. Network Rail publish details of these payments annually which can be found on their website.

Aviation: Forecasts

Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to publish updated aviation forecasts.

Mr John Hayes: My Department regularly updates our UK aviation forecasts. These will be updated in due course.

Bus Services: Greater Manchester

Mary Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for Greater Manchester to receive the powers set out in the Buses Act 2017.

Jesse Norman: The Bus Services Act 2017 received Royal Assent on 27th April, and the majority of the provisions in the Act commenced on 27th June. Greater Manchester Combined Authority therefore now have access to the franchising and partnership powers set out in the Act.

British Transport Police: Police Scotland

Stephen Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the Scottish Government on the merger of British Transport Police in Scotland with Police Scotland; and what steps have been agreed to maintain coordination of intelligence and operations between police forces.

Paul Maynard: The two Governments have established an official level Joint Programme Board (JPB) to oversee arrangements for delivering the transfer of the British Transport Police’s functions in Scotland. Membership of the Board includes representatives from both Governments, the two Police Authorities and the two Police Forces. Ensuring the continued effective policing of the railways once responsibilities are split between the British Transport Police and Police Scotland, including appropriate coordination arrangements, is a key component of the work of the Board.

Livestock: Transport

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to seek a derogation from Regulation (EC) 561/2006 for lorries carrying livestock; and if he will make  a statement.

Jesse Norman: There are already two national derogations in Regulation (EC) 561/2006 relating to drivers’ hours rules, which may apply to lorries carrying livestock. One applies to lorries carrying livestock (or other goods) as part of an agricultural business’s own entrepreneurial activity within a 100km radius. A second applies to lorries carrying live animals between a farm and a market or from a market to a slaughterhouse within a 100km radius. Both of these derogations have been taken up in full in domestic UK legislation, and there are no plans to seek a further derogation.

A417: Gloucestershire

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress he has made on developing a scheme to improve safety and traffic flow on the on the A417 missing link in Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: Highways England is developing the A417 Air Balloon Roundabout improvement, announced in the £15 billion Road Investment Strategy in December 2014, to be delivered in the second Road Investment Period (2020 – 2025). Development work is underway, and Highways England intends to launch a public consultation on viable options before the end of 2017.

Railways: North of England

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with Network Rail on the electrification of the TransPennine Rail Network.

Paul Maynard: The Transpennine Route Upgrade is currently in the design and development phase. An investment decision will be made early next year and target delivery is by December 2022. High level outputs include improvements to journey times (such as a target time of 40 minutes for fast trains from Leeds to Manchester), the ability to run longer trains offering more seats on both long distance and local services and improvements to overall performance on the whole route.

Railways: North of England

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of the electrification of the TransPennine Rail Network.

Paul Maynard: The Transpennine Route Upgrade is currently in the design and development phase. An investment decision will be made early next year and target delivery is by December 2022. High level outputs include improvements to journey times (such as a target time of 40 minutes for fast trains from Leeds to Manchester), the ability to run longer trains offering more seats on both long distance and local services and improvements to overall performance on the whole route.

Railways: North of England

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for work to begin on electrification of the TransPennine Rail Network.

Paul Maynard: The Transpennine Route Upgrade is currently in the design and development phase. An investment decision will be made early next year and target delivery is by December 2022. High level outputs include improvements to journey times (such as a target time of 40 minutes for fast trains from Leeds to Manchester), the ability to run longer trains offering more seats on both long distance and local services and improvements to overall performance on the whole route.

British Transport Police: Finance

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department’s target is for efficiency savings by British Transport Police; and how he intends to allocate proceeds from that efficiency programme.

Paul Maynard: The British Transport Police Authority identified savings of over 8% to be made during the period of the Spending Review from the British Transport Police’s core budgets. Any efficiency savings can potentially be reinvested into counter terrorist activities, depending on the need identified by the Chief Constable, and subject to the approval of the British Transport Police Authority.

British Transport Police

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the cost of the airway replacement programme for the British Transport Police; and what additional funding his Department will provide to the British Transport Police to complete that programme.

Paul Maynard: The current estimated total life cycle costs up to 2026/27 for the implementation and transition to the new Emergency Service Network, which will replace Airwave, is currently £78.6m. Many of the costs have been estimated on the basis of information supplied by the Home Office programme that is delivering the Emergency Services Network. The costs of implementing the Airwave replacement programme are a cost of policing the railway, to be met from the policing charges levied on rail operators for the provision of policing services.

British Transport Police

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what capabilities are exempt from his Department’s target for efficiency savings by the British Transport Police.

Paul Maynard: In agreeing the British Transport Police Authority’s proposals for efficiency savings as part of the Spending Review, it was made clear that any savings should ensure that any material impact on the operational capability of the British Transport Police (BTP) is minimised; counter terrorist activity was exempt from the Spending Review process. The efficiency savings target includes the BTP’s core policing activities only; enhanced policing services, which are provided to operators on request on a commercial basis, are excluded from the target.

British Transport Police: Scotland

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on the devolution of transport policing to Scotland.

Paul Maynard: The Government is committed to implementing the recommendation of the Smith Commission that the functions of the British Transport Police in Scotland should be devolved. Legislative competence was devolved through the Scotland Act 2016, and a Scottish Government Bill which makes provision about the arrangements for the Police Service of Scotland to police railways and railway property has recently completed its passage through the Scottish Parliament. In devolving the functions, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition which ensures effective arrangements are in place for cross-border railway policing once responsibilities have been transferred, so that we continue to have a railway policing service which works for passengers, staff and the railway.

British Transport Police

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is his policy for the British Transport Police to be merged with other police forces; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Maynard: The Government is considering a broad range of options to optimise the protection of critical infrastructure such as nuclear sites and railways, including the future roles of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, the Ministry of Defence Police and the British Transport Police.

Aviation: Training

Mr Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on people undertaking training for an EASA private pilot's licence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr John Hayes: The Government is considering carefully all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for people training for a private pilot’s licence and the UK’s future relationship with the European Aviation Safety Agency system. As part of the exit negotiations the Government will discuss with the EU and member states how best to continue cooperation in the field of aviation safety and standards. It would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the negotiations.

Railways: Skilled Workers

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of peaks and troughs in National Rail's annual workload on its capacity to return skilled staff.

Paul Maynard: Network Rail is responsible for assessing the effect of peaks and troughs in the company’s annual workload on its capacity to retain skilled staff, as an arm’s length body from government.

Railways: Skilled Workers

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure the availability of a stable and adequate skills base among the workforce in railway occupations.

Paul Maynard: Ensuring a skillful and resilient workforce remains a priority for the Department, and for Network Rail. Network Rail is continuing to invest heavily in the training of its workforce, both in the short term with £44 million invested in capability last year, and in the long term with £60 million invested in the creation of seven state of the art vocational training centres. To ensure a skill base in the future workforce as well as the present, Network Rail have opened a new apprenticeship centre at Westwood which will by September this year be fully dedicated to the delivery of high quality residential apprenticeships. This will allow Network Rail to meet its commitment to deliver over 4200 apprenticeship new starters within the company by 2022, and supporting the creation of over 2000 within its supply chain.

Railways: North of England

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is his policy to upgrade the Trans-Pennine rail route.

Paul Maynard: The Transpennine Route Upgrade is currently in the design and development phase. An investment decision will be made early next year and target delivery is by December 2022.

Shipping: Telecommunications

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to enable seafarers to make telephone calls when they do not have access to UK mobile telephone services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr John Hayes: The government has no plans to enable seafarers to make telephone calls when they do not have access to UK mobile telephone services. However, seafarer welfare providers, such as Mission to Seafarers and Apostleship of the Sea, through their centres will often provide discounted phone cards and free wi-fi for foreign seafarers to use. This enables them to call or have ‘skype’ conversations, the preferred option for seafarers, with their friends and families at home when they are in UK ports. Some major ports and shipowners also allow the seafarers to use their wi-fi for free.

Transport: Capital Investment

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what comparative assessment he has made of public spending per capita on transport infrastructure in (a) the Liverpool City Region, (b) the North West, (c) London and (d) the South East.

Jesse Norman: Figures on public sector spend per head of population at a regional level are part of the government’s Country and Regional Analysis (CRA) statistics, and are included below. However, there are significant caveats to be noted regarding the interpretation of these figures for transport spending. The CRA attempts to allocate expenditure on the basis of which region benefits from the spend, rather than where it is made. However, this can be challenging as expenditure in one part of the country may actually benefit a different area, and this affectsmotorways, trunk roads, and the railways. For example, whilst spending on a local hospital will predominantly benefit those who live in that area, spending on a motorway or railway line will benefit not just those living nearby but also those travelling from and to other areas across the country. Whilst the Department seeksto record rail funding across the regions based on which passengers benefit, allocations are inevitably fairly imprecise. Similarly, in recording spending on a per capita basis (i.e. per head of resident population), the calculation for London does not account for the large number of daily commuters, visitors and tourists who use and benefit from the roads and public transport networks, but who are not London residents. In particular, as the main international gateway into the country, London is the location for a range of transport investments which are designed to serve passengers well beyond the local resident population. The above caveats should be taken into account when looking at the CRA figures for regional Government expenditure on transport. The figures for 2015-16 relating to locations (b), (c) and (d) from the above request are shown in the table below. This information is published for government office regions only, and therefore is unavailable for (a) Liverpool City Region. Table 1. Government expenditure on transport per head of population by region Total transport spend per capitaNorth West£401London£973South East£365  Source:HM Treasury Country and Regional Analysis (CRA) 2016

Railways: North of England

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to commission new rail infrastructure in the North of England; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Maynard: The Government intends later this year to set out its priorities for investment in train services and infrastructure in the next five year Control Period from 2019. This will be informed by advice from the rail industry, Transport for the North and other stakeholders. The Government is committed to ensuring that every part of Britain benefits from our investment in the railways. Improvements in rail services can be delivered by new trains and a range of infrastructure improvements. The Government keeps under close review what options will ensure the maximum value to taxpayers, passengers and freight users.

Heathrow Airport

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he will plans to make a decision on expansion of capacity at Heathrow Airport; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such expansion on (a) Liverpool airport and (b) other airports.

Mr John Hayes: The consultation on the draft Airports National Policy Statement closed on 25 May, and we are analysing the tens of thousands of responses received. The Government will set out the next steps in the process in due course. The Airports Commission published growth forecasts for regional airports for the three shortlisted schemes. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/439687/strategic-fit-updated-forecasts.pdf). The Department has undertaken an economic assessment of the impact of a new runway at Heathrow at a national level, taking account of all areas of the UK.

M54: Traffic Lights

Lucy Allan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will discuss with Highways England the effect on traffic flow of the traffic lights at junctions (a) 4, (b) 5 and (c) 6 of the M54.

Jesse Norman: The traffic lights at junctions 4, 5 and 6 on the M54 do not affect the flow of traffic on the M54 itself and are not the responsibility of Highways England. The surrounding roads at all three of these junctions are managed and maintained by Telford and Wrekin Council. They will be best placed to advise on the effects these lights have on traffic flows on the surrounding roads.

Liverpool Port: Railways

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the need for additional rail infrastructure at the Port of Liverpool.

Mr John Hayes: Through the Strategic Freight Network fund, the Government is currently funding a number of investments to improve rail freight connectivity to this Port. The Government intends later this year to set out its priorities for investment in train services and infrastructure in England and Wales in the next five year Control Period from 2019. This will be informed by advice from the rail industry, Transport for the North and other stakeholders. Ports such as Liverpool are making significant private sector investments in infrastructure to prepare for freight growth. It is economically important that inland transport networks are also able to handle such future freight growth. That is why the Department is currently examining the sufficiency of port access and connectivity in England and to identify where connectivity improvements could support economic growth.

British Transport Police: Counter-terrorism

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what additional expenditure the British Transport Police has incurred on counter terrorism in (a) 2017-18 to date and (b) 2016-17; and what additional funding his Department provided to that organisation for counter-terror operations in those periods.

Paul Maynard: The British Transport Police’s counter terrorism capability, forms an integral part of its policing of the railways, and is therefore not readily distinguishable within the overall costs of policing. The funding required to deliver it is met by the rail industry, and is regularly reviewed to ensure that it continues to provide a safe rail network for its staff and the travelling public. The Department has not provided any direct funding to the BTP during the current or the last financial year.

British Transport Police

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to change the number of British Transport Police control centres.

Paul Maynard: This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. We have been informed by the British Transport Police (BTP) that there are no current plans to change the number of BTP control centres.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Cybercrime

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if the Government will make representations at the United Nations on international cyber attacks by advancing a policy of sanctioning any state actors found to be involved in those attacks.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK will consider all options available to it under domestic and international law in responding to cyber attacks by state actors. For UN Security Council sanctions to be agreed, resolutions require 9 votes in favour and no P5 veto. We are also working with the EU on a 'Framework for a Joint EU Diplomatic Response to Malicious Cyber Activity', which will state the range of diplomatic, political and economic measures available to the EU and Member States to combat state sanctioned cyber attacks. This includes Sanctions.

Turkey: Human Rights

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on the safety and freedom of speech of political dissidents.

Sir Alan Duncan: I and UK Ministers have frequent discussions with our Turkish counterparts on the issue of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression. We will continue to engage the Turkish government on this issue and urge respect for freedom of media and speech, which is essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.

Turkey: Human Rights

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with his EU counterparts on the human rights situation in Turkey.

Sir Alan Duncan: Given Turkey is an EU candidate country and an important partner for the EU, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers and officials regularly discuss the situation in Turkey, including human rights, with EU counterparts.

Turkey: Human Rights

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with Turkish Government officials on human rights in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers and officials hold regular discussions with their Turkish counterparts on a wide range of issues, including human rights, and we will continue to do so.

Yemen: Foreign Relations

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met his Yemeni counterpart.

Alistair Burt: I refer the Rt. Hon. Gentleman to the answer of 11 July 2017 (PQ 2796).

Yemen: Military Intervention

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Government of Saudi Arabia on the situation in Yemen.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in Yemen with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia on 7 July. I also spoke to the Saudi Ambassador on 10 July.

Yemen: Foreign Relations

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he plans to appoint a new Special Envoy for Yemen.

Alistair Burt: ​The UK continues to support the work of the current UN Special Envoy and his tireless efforts in working with all parties to bring about peace in Yemen.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many contracts put out to tender by his Department have been (a) cancelled and (b) re-tendered in each year since 2010.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's contract databases do not hold this information.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proportion of public procurement contracts his Department awarded through framework agreements in each year since 2010.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's contract databases do not hold this information.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the average number of bids received for each contract put out to tender by his Department was in each year since 2010.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's contract databases do not hold this information.

Iran: Prisoners

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Iranian Government on the treatment of Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz, Amin Afshar Naderi and Hadi Asgari in prison in that country.

Alistair Burt: The Government is aware of reports regarding Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz, Amin Afshar Naderi and Hadi Asgari. The Government notes the worrying trend of harassment of Christians in Iran and strongly condemns any mistreatment of religious minorities in the country. We regularly raise our concerns about the human rights situation in Iran both in London and Tehran. We call on Iran to cease harassment of religious minorities and fulfil its international and domestic obligations to allow freedom of religion to all Iranians.

Eritrea: Christianity

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN on the cases of Eritrean Christians who are subject to alleged persecution and harassment in that country.

Rory Stewart: We remain concerned about the human rights record of the Government of Eritrea. We have raised these concerns consistently, most recently during the interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 16 June 2017. One of the issues highlighted was that of arbitrary detentions, including those detained on the basis of their religious belief. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also joined a recent campaign calling for the release of Patriarch Antonios after 10 years imprisonment in Eritrea.

World War I: Anniversaries

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what (a) steps the Government has taken and (b) funding has been committed to commemorating the role of African soldiers in the First World War.

Sir Alan Duncan: Throughout the Government’s First World War commemorations programme we have ensured that all those who contributed to the Allied cause have been remembered and their sacrifice honoured. Representatives from African countries have been invited to all major commemorations in which their forces were involved, the next such event being the 3rd Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) at the end of this month.The first memorial to honour the men and women of Africa and the Caribbean who served during the First and Second World Wars was unveiled on 22 June in Brixton, a joint project by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Lambeth Council, the Black Cultural Archive and the Nubian Jak Community Trust. DCLG also launched ‘The Unremembered’ project in February during the SS Mendi commemorations. This project, which is costing around £200,000 over two years, focuses on the role of Labour Corps in the First World War, including the South African Labour Corps. At least 200 community groups will be engaged in the project.In respect of the commemoration of the 100thanniversary of the sinking of the SS Mendi, in which over 600 members of the South African Native Labour Corps lost their lives, the Government provided significant representational and logistical support, mainly through the Ministry of Defence, to South Africa for the events in Portsmouth, Southampton and at the wreck site off the Isle of Wight.

Saudi Arabia: Capital Punishment

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Oral contribution of 10 July 2017, Official Report, column 56, on export licensing: High Court judgment, on what dates the Government has raised the matter of minors on death row in Saudi Arabia with the government of that country; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: The Government frequently raises its concerns on human rights at Ministerial and official level. The Saudi Arabian Government is well aware of our views, which we make known both privately and publicly.

Liu Xiaobo

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has raised the issue of the continuing imprisonment of Liu Xiaobo with his counterpart in China; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Field: As the Foreign Secretary stated on 13 July, we are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Liu Xiaobo. He was a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and lifelong campaigner for democracy, human rights and peace. His death is a huge loss and our thoughts are with his wife, Liu Xia, his wider family, friends and supporters.I raised the case of Liu Xiaobo directly with the Chinese Ambassador on 5 July, and clearly requested that Liu Xiaobo be allowed full access to the medical treatment of his choice and for all restrictions on him and his family to be lifted. We also raised his case at the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue which was held in Beijing on 27 June.

Saudi Arabia: Foreign Relations

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met his counterpart in Saudi Arabia; and what issues were discussed at that meeting.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign Secretary met His Excellency Adel al Jubeir, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, on Friday 7 July to discuss a full range of regional and bilateral issues, including the current tensions in the Gulf.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Official Hospitality

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department spent on new stocks of wines and spirits for hospitality purposes in each of the last five years.

Sir Alan Duncan: No central record is held of global expenditure on wines and spirits in the UK and overseas by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).The Government Wine Cellar is managed by the FCO's Protocol Departmentand has been self-financing since 2011. All costs covered by sales of older, higher value stock. Since 2012 the FCO has spent the following amounts on new stocks of wines and spirits:2011/12 - £48 9552012/13 - £45 8662013/14 - £50 0542014/15 - £70 4322015/16 - £40 177.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Official Hospitality

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department has spent on hospitality in each of the last five years.

Sir Alan Duncan: This information is publicly available on the Gov.uk website. The FCO accounts for hospitality expenditure under Business Hospitality and representations of the FCO.

West Bank: Solar Power

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on the alleged confiscation by the Israeli authorities of solar panels in the West Bank.

Alistair Burt: Whilst we have not raised the specific case with the Israeli authorities we are in close contact with our Dutch counterparts in the Occupied Palestinian Territories about this incident. We are gravely concerned by the continued confiscation and demolition of Palestinian property and regularly raise the matter with the Israeli authorities. Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes and confiscation of Palestinian property cause unnecessary suffering; call into question Israel’s commitment to a viable two-state solution; and, in all but exceptional cases, are contrary to International Humanitarian Law.

Russia: LGBT People

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his (a) US, (b) French and (c) Chinese counterparts on the persecution of LGBT people in (i) Chechnya and (ii) the rest of Russia.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Government continues to raise the persecution of the LGBT community in Russia in international fora, doing so most recently at the June United Nations Human Rights Council. With the support of allies, we have also raised the issue in the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE). Our diplomats in Moscow are in close touch with other Embassies in Moscow and are monitoring the situation.

Chechnya: LGBT People

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Department holds on reported (a) killings, (b) detention and (c) torture of LGBT people in Chechnya.

Sir Alan Duncan: Our Embassy in Moscow is aware of, and urgently looking into, recent reports of further persecution of the LGBT community in Chechnya. We know of the murder of at least three members of the LGBT community earlier in the year and the torture and detention of many others. In response, the Government has increased the support we provide to Non Governmental Organisations(NGOs) working in Russia on LGBT rights and continue to call on the Russian Government to hold a full investigation.

Russia: Visits Abroad

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he or any Ministers of his Department plan to visit Russia during the 2017 to 2019 Session of Parliament.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign Secretary has been invited to visit Moscow by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and hopes to do so in due course.I hosted Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Titov in March and plan to make a return visit during the forthcoming session of Parliament.

Chechnya: LGBT People

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the level of protection afforded to LGBT rights in Chechnya.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Government has serious concerns about the treatment of the LGBT community throughout Russia. Our assessment is that there is no protection afforded to the LGBT community in Chechnya.

Russia: LGBT People

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Russian counterpart on the persecution of LGBT people in (a) Chechnya and (b) other parts of Russia.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign Secretary co-signed, a letter to Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on 28 April, urging his Government to investigate reports of persecution of LGBT people, ensure the safety of activists and journalist investigating abuse, and protect the LGBT community. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Russian Government.

India: British Nationals Abroad

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in India on the Chennai Six; and what progress has been made on seeking their release from Puzhal prison.

Mark Field: As throughout this case, we continue to raise the case with the Indian authorities at all levels. The case was most recently raised by the Prime Minister with Indian Prime Minister Modi at the G20 Summit in Hamburg last week.We appreciate the impact this prolonged separation of six families is having and that the wait for a verdict is increasing the stress and financial strain on them. We consistently make this point when we raise the case with the Indian authorities. However, we cannot interfere in this ongoing legal process, just as we would not allow another country to interfere in an ongoing court case in the UK.While we await a verdict we remain in close contact with the men's legal team in India and in the UK, and our focus continues to be on the men's welfare and the support we can provide to their families.

Qatar: Counter-terrorism

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Government of Qatar on its partnering with other Gulf states to tackle the financing of, and support for (a) Hamas, (b) the Muslim Brotherhood and (c) other terrorist and extremist groups; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: The UK regularly raises a range of issues with Qatar. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary raised the issue of terrorist financing with the Emir of Qatar, and the Qatari Foreign Minister, during his visit to Doha on 8 July.

Fossil Fuels: Falkland Islands

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential opportunities for the hydrocarbon industry in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Falkland Islands.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Falklands oil & gas industry is managed by the Falkland Islands Government. Any assessment of the opportunities, therefore, is the responsibility of the Falkland Islands Government.

Department for International Development

Department for International Development: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the average number of bids received for each contract put out to tender by her Department was in each year since 2010.

Rory Stewart: Comprehensive data on the number of bids is only available since 2015-16. The average number of bids received per contract since 2015 is as follows: Financial YearAverage number of bids15/162.516/172.9 We do not have data for locally managed contracts typically with a contract value under the OJEU threshold.

Department for International Development: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what proportion of public procurement contracts her Department awarded through framework agreements in each year since 2010.

Rory Stewart: The percentage of centrally let contracts awarded through framework agreements in each year since 2010 is as follows: Financial YearPercentage of contracts awarded through frameworks10/110%11/122%12/1328%13/1438%14/1547%15/1646%16/1739% Information on contracts below the OJEU threshold awarded through frameworks is not held in the form requested and can only be collated at disproportionate cost.

Department for International Development: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many contracts put out to tender by her Department have been (a) cancelled and (b) re-tendered in each year since 2010.

Rory Stewart: The Procurement and Commercial Department holds information that shows that since 2016, 12 centrally issued contracts have been terminated and only one of these requirements has been retendered. Information prior to 2016 and on contracts below the OJEU threshold, is not held in the form requested and can only be collated at disproportionate cost.

West Bank: Electronic Equipment

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department has supplied any electrical equipment to villages in the West Bank.

Alistair Burt: Through funding to the Palestinian Market Development Programme, DFID has helped to supply electrical equipment to businesses in the West Bank including computers, and food processing and Laboratory equipment. Through the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, DFID funded the rehabilitation of a well in the West Bank including the provision of electrical equipment.

Africa: Overseas Trade

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the findings of the report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Africa on the Future of Africa-UK trade and development cooperation relations in the transitional and post-Brexit period, published in February 2017.

Rory Stewart: Thank you to the honourable member for her work on this report which highlights the importance of trade for developing countries, and examines the European Economic Partnership Agreements.Our first priority is to deliver continuity in our trading arrangements on leaving the EU. The announcement on 25 June, that we will secure existing duty-free access for the world’s poorest countries to UK markets and aim to maintain current access for developing countries, supports this.This government remains a long-standing supporter of Economic Partnership Agreements and continues to listen to our partners’ views on how to maximise their benefits.

Department for Education

Students: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to raise awareness of Inflammatory bowel disease and its effect on students' attainment.

Mr Robert Goodwill: We know how important it is that children with medical conditions are supported to enjoy a full education. That is why we introduced a new duty to require governing bodies to make arrangements to support pupils with medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, and have provided statutory guidance outlining schools’ responsibilities in this area. We continue to work with Ofsted, and organisations such as the Health Conditions in Schools Alliance who have experience in supporting children with medical conditions, to help raise awareness of the duty.

Special Educational Needs

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure all maintained schools receive adequate funding for catering for children with special needs.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Mainstream schools are funded through the formula set by their local authority. The funding formula is decided by each local authority and often uses factors such as the prior level of attainment of the pupils in the school to give an estimate of the additional support for those with special educational needs (SEN) that the school will need to make available. Local authorities are required to delegate funds to a level that enables schools to meet the additional cost of pupils with SEN up to £6,000 per annum, and when a school can demonstrate that the costs exceed this, the local authority should allocate top-up funding from its high needs budget. The local authority can also use its high needs budget to give extra funding to schools with a disproportionate number of pupils with SEN. We have provided local authorities with £130 million of additional funding for high needs this year.

Apprentices: Females

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many women over the age of 60 are currently undertaking an apprenticeship.

Anne Milton: In the 2015 to 2016 academic year, 3,030 women aged 60 and over participated in an apprenticeship. Between August 2016 and April 2017, 3,470 women have participated in an apprenticeship.Data on apprenticeship starts and achievements by age band and by gender are available in the apprenticeship demographic tools:Starts:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/624584/apprenticeships-demographics-data-tool-starts-v1.xlsx.Achievements:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/624824/apprenticeships-demographics-data-tool-achievements-v1.xlsx.

Apprentices: Females

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the average age is of women undertaking apprenticeships.

Anne Milton: In the 2015 to 2016 academic year, the average (mean) age of women participating in apprenticeships was 29.2 years old. Between August 2016 and April 2017, the average (mean) age of women reported to be participating was 29.8 years old.Please note: age is reported as at 31 August of the academic year.

ERASMUS

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has to maintain the UK's involvement in the Erasmus scheme after the UK leaves the EU.

Joseph Johnson: The Department for Education recognises the value of international exchange and collaboration in education, as part of our vision for the UK as a global nation. We will consider participation in European programmes as part of the negotiation.

Private Education: Pupil Exclusions

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children in each local authority and constituency are registered in independent alternative provision for excluded young people; how many of those children are (a) enrolled or (b) being directed offsite for their education there for more than one day a week in each year since 2010; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department does not hold the information you have requested.The Department only holds data on the number of pupils in independent alternative provision (AP) that have been commissioned by local authorities. This is available in the Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics Statistical First Release which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2017.

Children: Day Care

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the proportion of two-year olds eligible for 15-hours free childcare who are not accessing this provision by (a) ethnicity, (b) SEND, (c) geographic location, (d) gender and (e) social class.

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of two-year olds eligible for the free 15-hours free childcare access their provision in a setting working directly with an early years (a) teacher and (b) educator.

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of eligible two-year olds for the 15-hours free childcare are accessing provision in settings judged by Ofsted to be requiring improvement or inadequate.

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what number and proportion of eligible two-year olds are not benefitting from funded early education by local authorities for the latest period for which figures are available.

Mr Robert Goodwill: We do not hold all of the requested information. The proportion of two-year-olds benefitting from funded early education in England continues to rise, reaching 71% in 2017. This has risen from 58% in 2015. The proportion of two-year-olds benefitting from funded early education places by local authority is set out in Table 5LA of the Statistical First Release (SFR) Education provision: children under 5 years of age, January 2017 at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/education-provision-children-under-5-years-of-age-january-2017.The proportion of two-year-olds not benefitting from funded early education places by local authority (part c of PQ 4170 and PQ 4173) can be derived from this table. We do not hold data on the proportion of two-year-olds eligible for 15-hours free childcare who are not accessing this provision by ethnicity, SEND, gender or social class (part a, b, d and e of PQ 4170). Table 10LA provides the number and percentage of two-year-old children benefitting from funded early education, including settings rated requires improvement and inadequate (PQ 4172) in 2017. Ninety six percent of two-year-olds benefitting from funded early education were in settings rated good or outstanding. Four per cent of two-year-olds were in settings rated requires improvement or inadequate. The proportion of two-year-old children benefitting from funded early education at private, voluntary and independent settings with staff with qualified teacher status, early years teacher status or early years professional status working directly with two-year-olds (PQ 4171) is set out in Table 12 of the Statistical First Release, Education provision: children under 5 years of age, January 2016 at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/education-provision-children-under-5-years-of-age-january-2016.This data was not collected in the 2017 early years census and as a result was not included in the 2017 publication.

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment will be made of the effect of the cost of (a) the national minimum wage, (b) the living wage and (c) other employment costs on the level of funding required from her Department to deliver 30 hours free childcare.

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make it her policy to annually review funding levels to local authorities for the provision of 30 hours free childcare until 2020.

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the effect of the Government’s 30 hours free childcare policy on the financial viability of childcare providers.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Government is investing £1 billion extra every year for the early years entitlements, including over £300 million a year to increase local authorities hourly funding rates. Local authorities are required to pass the vast majority of their funding on to early years providers so that they can deliver the 30 hours of childcare for working parents and other entitlements on a sustainable and high-quality basis.The Government’s increased level of funding is based on the “Review of Childcare Costs” which looked at both the current costs of childcare provision and the implications of future cost pressures including the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage. Recent research conducted by Frontier Economics, calculated the average hourly costs of providing childcare for three and four year olds, and the Government’s new funding rates compare very favourably to these.We will keep under review the data underpinning the new Early Years National Funding Formula, which is used to distribute funding for the early years entitlements.The Government is also providing guidance, tools and support for providers to help make their businesses more financially sustainable and operate efficiently.

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the effect of 30 hours free childcare places on (a) the availability of places for three and four-year-olds whose parents are not working and (b) funded two-year-old places.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Local authorities have a statutory duty to secure 15 hours a week of free early education for 38 weeks of the year for eligible two year olds and all three and four year olds. Statistics published in June 2017 show that in January 2017, 95% of three and four year olds and 71% of eligible two year olds were benefitting from a free place, a 3% increase from the previous year. We have recruited a national delivery contractor, Childcare Works, to support local authorities with their implementation and delivery of 30 hours free childcare. We are monitoring take up of the two-year-old programme and the universal entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds. A key part of Childcare Works’ contract is working with local authorities to ensure that take up of the early learning for two year olds programme does not decrease due to the introduction of 30 hours free childcare for working parents. In our 8 early implementer areas, we have not seen a negative impact on the existing entitlements.

Sex and Relationship Education

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress her Department is making on developing new guidance for schools on delivering sex and relationships education.

Nick Gibb: In accordance with the Children and Social Work Act 2017, the Secretary of State will lay regulations that will require the publication of guidance to support schools to teach high quality Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in secondary schools and Relationships Education (RE) in primary schools. The guidance will be developed following a thorough engagement process on the scope and content of RE and RSE, involving a wide range of interested stakeholders. The engagement process will seek evidence from schools and teachers, parents and pupils, experts in safeguarding and child wellbeing, subject experts, voluntary organisations and other interested parties, and other Government Departments and public sector bodies. We will set out more details about the engagement process shortly.

Warrington Collegiate

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons the application from Warrington Collegiate to change its name to Warrington and Vale Royal College on its merger with Mid Cheshire College has been refused; and if she will make a statement.

Anne Milton: Officials are working closely with the college ahead of its planned merger with Mid Cheshire College on 1 August 2017 to ensure that its application for change of name meets the published criteria and stands the best possible chance of being approved.The name Warrington and Vale Royal College requires approval from both the Cabinet Office and Companies House for use of the word Royal. An earlier application made by the college in June was rejected by Cabinet Office. A second, revised, application was approved by Cabinet Office on 12 July 2017 and a formal application to the department was received on 13 July 2017.The name still requires approval from Companies House, but there is sufficient time for this to be approved before the proposed merger date of 1 August 2017.

Schools: Warrington North

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions she has had with (a) Warrington Borough Council, (b) representatives of Warrington head teachers and (c) trade union representatives on the effect of the school funding formula on schools in Warrington North constituency.

Nick Gibb: Officials from the Department have met a range of stakeholders from across the country to discuss school funding, as part of our consultation on a schools and high needs national formulae, including head teachers and head teacher representatives, representatives from local authorities and trade unions.We received over 25,000 responses to the consultation. We are grateful to all those who expressed their views on school funding and the proposed formula as part of this process. We will publish the response to the consultation in due course.

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has taken account of the potential change to parents' working hours resulting from the commencement of provision of 30 hours free childcare from September 2017 on the number of childcare places to be made available; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Local authorities continue to have a duty to secure sufficient childcare for working parents in their local areas. The Department is committed to working with local authorities to ensure sufficient places, which is why we awarded a delivery contract to Childcare Works, who continue to provide ongoing support and challenge to local authorities and providers delivering 30 hours.The Department has also supported the growth and creation of additional places to deliver the 30 hours funded entitlement and in 2016, ran a £100 million early years capital bid round, which will create almost 18,000 additional 30 hours places for working parents.We know that thousands of eligible children are taking up 30 hours places in our 12 early delivery areas and that parents have extended their working hours as a result of accessing the offer.

Schools: Coventry South

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much core revenue funding (a) Willenhall Community Primary School, (b) Stretton CE Primary School and (c) Blue Coat Church of England School and Music College in Coventry South constituency received for (i) 2016-17 and (ii) 2017-18; and how much funding each of those schools is planned to receive for (A) 2019-20 and (B) 2020-21.

Nick Gibb: The Department primarily allocates revenue funding at local authority level. The schools block allocation for individual schools for the 2016-17 financial year are published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-block-funding-allocations-2016-to-2017.School2016-17 fundingWillenhall Community Primary School£1,821,000Stretton CE Primary School£956,000Blue Coat Church of England School and Music College£5,962,000 Individual school allocations for 2017-18 will be published later this year. The formulae that local authorities have used to distribute funding to schools this year are published at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/schools-block-funding-formulae-2017-to-2018. We recently consulted on a national funding formula for schools. We believe that the current funding arrangements are unfair and we remain committed to changing them.We received over 25,000 responses to the consultation. We are grateful to all those who expressed their views on school funding and the proposed formula as part of this process. We will publish the response to the consultation in due course. Until then, we are unable to confirm the funding each school will receive in future years.

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department has available for parents who find employment after August's 30 free hours application deadline and before the application process reopening for January 2018.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Working parents, or parents expecting to start a new job in the next 14 days, who believe they are eligible for 30 hours can make an application through the childcare service. The Department published the guidance document, 30 hours free childcare: eligibility, which sets out the eligibility requirements for 30 hours free childcare. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/30-hours-free-childcare-eligibility.A parent can claim 30 hours the term following the child’s third birthday and the term following receipt of their eligibility code from HMRC (whichever is later). This is set out in the Department’s guidance Early years entitlements: operational guidance to support local authorities and childcare providers, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/30-hours-free-childcare-la-and-early-years-provider-guide.Further guidance for parents can also be found at: https://childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/.

Social Mobility

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make a statement in response to the report of the Social Mobility Commission, Social mobility between 1997 and 2017: time for change, published on 28 June 2017.

Mr Robert Goodwill: We welcome the Commission’s report, published on 28 June, which considers efforts to improve social mobility over the last twenty years. The Commission rightly concludes that too often life chances can be determined not by effort and talents but where you come from, your parents’ situation and what school you attend. The Department will set out further details on policy to tackle this social injustice in due course. Thanks to the Government’s reforms, there are 1.8 million more pupils in good or outstanding schools than in 2010, and we are delivering three million apprenticeship places, opening up access to our higher education system and investing £500 million a year into technical education. Improving social mobility requires support from all parts of society: government, employers and civic organisations. Last year, we launched our £72 million Opportunity Area programme. In these 12 social mobility ‘coldspots’ we are working with a range of local partners to break the link between background and destination. We know these areas face some of the most entrenched challenges, as described by the Social Mobility Commission’s Index last year. Our approach here goes beyond what the Department and central government can do – extending to local authorities, schools, academy sponsors, local and national businesses, Local Enterprise Partnerships, FE colleges, universities, the voluntary sector, and more. I spoke at a Westminster Hall Debate about government policies on social mobility and the Commission’s ‘Time for Change’ report on 11 July. The debate and my speech are available in Hansard at this weblink: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2017-07-11/debates/D9AB2665-13E3-4AE4-90CD-528E30853ED0/SocialMobility

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the implications for the target figures for the number of apprenticeships of the proportion of businesses that plan to reconfigure existing training into apprenticeships according to the 2017 CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey.

Anne Milton: We encourage businesses to look at how to use apprenticeships effectively within their organisations to meet their skills needs, as part of the wider training they provide. No existing training scheme can be reconfigured as an apprenticeship and receive public funding unless it meets strict quality and eligibility criteria i.e. it lasts at least 12 months, provides substantial new training for the individual (including a minimum 20% off-the-job training), and meets a recognised framework or standard. We have reaffirmed our commitment to reach 3 million new apprenticeship starts in England by 2020 and are still on track to meet that - with 1 million starts since May 2015.

Further Education

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether sixth form colleges will be included in the tertiary education funding review.

Anne Milton: The Government will provide an update in due course.

Academies

Mike Kane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment the Government has made of the effect of re-brokering academies on pupils' attainment and on schools' Ofsted grades.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department is committed to a school system in which all children have access to a good school place. Regional Schools Commissioners (RSCs) are responsible, on behalf of the Secretary of State, for holding all academies, including multi-academy trusts, to account and will intervene where necessary to bring about rapid improvement. Re-brokered academies are subject to the same accountability mechanisms as maintained schools, including publication of pupil results in school performance tables. RSCs consider the performance of all academies in their region at appropriate points in the academic year such as at key stages of their growth or following the publication of exam results or Ofsted inspection reports. As part of this, they will monitor pupil attainment and Ofsted grades and make sure that re-brokered academies are receiving sufficient and appropriate support in order to secure the required improvements.

Apprentices

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Trailblazer programme apprenticeships have been commenced.

Anne Milton: A number of apprenticeship standards have been developed by trailblazer groups. The number of starts on standards is published in the further education and skills statistical first release. The latest publication can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/further-education-and-skills-july-2017. Previous and future editions can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/further-education-and-skills-statistical-first-release-sfr.

Apprentices

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Independent End Assessors have been trained and employed to conduct gateway to end-point assessments for the Trailblazer programme.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many end-point assessment centres there are to provide gateway to end-point assessments for the Trailblazer programme.

Anne Milton: There are 76 apprentice assessment organisations. They are approved to deliver the end-point assessment for 124 apprenticeship standards. The register of apprentice assessment organisations is a list of organisations that have been assessed as being suitable to conduct independent end-point assessment of apprentices and are in receipt of public funds. Individual organisations may be listed for more than one standard. Only these organisations are eligible to conduct independent end-point assessment of apprentices. The register is regularly updated as more organisations successfully apply and can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/using-the-register-of-apprentice-assessment-organisations. Recruitment of assessors is an ongoing process, which we have been supporting through the Future Apprenticeships programme. The employer, in consultation with the training provider, must be satisfied that the apprentice is ready to be entered for end-point assessment. The apprentice assessment organisation does not have to provide specific premises to carry out the end-point assessment. The assessment could take place at the apprentice’s place of work or online in some instances.

Apprentices

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Vehicle Operator Services Agency MTT apprenticeships were completed to Level (a) 2 and (b) 3 in (i) 2014, (ii) 2015 and (iii) 2016.

Anne Milton: The Department does not hold any information that is specific to the Vehicle Operator Services Agency or its successor, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Data on the number of apprentices who have completed and achieved the vehicle-related frameworks, such as “vehicle and maintenance and repair”, including breakdowns by level and academic year, are available in the apprenticeships achievements data tool: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/624424/apprenticeships-level-SSA-framework-data-tool-achievements-v1.xlsm.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Fishing Grounds: Protection

Deidre  Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many 24-hour days or equivalent fisheries protection vessels were at sea and operational in home waters in each of the last 10 years.

George Eustice: We are unable to confirm the position at a UK level as fisheries protection is a devolved matter. However, the table below shows the number of days vessels were operational for the purposes of fisheries enforcement in England, since 2007.  DaysTypeFY 07/0874024 hrs/dayFY 08/0975324 hrs/dayFY 09/1070524 hrs/dayFY 10/1167524 hrs/dayFY 11/1265924 hrs/dayFY 12/1356212 hrs/dayFY 13/14512.512 hrs/dayFY 14/155099 hrs/dayFY 15/164199 hrs/dayFY 16/17168.74048.3 total hrs patrol time In April 2016 we changed from an existing agreement for fixed 9 hour days to a much more flexible hourly agreement for Royal Navy patrol time. This reflects the move towards a risk based, intelligence led operational model that enables targeted enforcement interventions in the right place at the right time. There has also been a proactive move towards utilising satellite technology in fisheries enforcement. For example, all vessels over 12 metres in length are fitted with satellite tracking devices (Vessel Monitoring System) which gives a 24/7 real time picture of where fishing activity is happening enabling the efficient employment of patrol vessels. The AIS (Automatic Identification System) is also used in fisheries enforcement to detect fishing activity, including where fishing vessels are operating. When supplemented by joint working with other agencies such as Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), UK Border Force (UKBF) and the Police, this ensures effective and timely intervention where illegal activity is suspected. Radar sweeps can be used by patrol vessels to identify potential targets and the AIS (Automatic Identification System) is also used in fisheries enforcement to detect fishing activity, including where fishing vessels are operating.

Environment Protection

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government plans for the UK's environmental standards to remain as rigorous as those set by the EU after the UK has left the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Secretary of State has been clear that we need to maintain and where possible enhance environmental outcomes both now and after we leave the EU.

Air Pollution

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish the Government's draft Air Quality Plan before the summer recess.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government published its draft UK air quality plan for tackling nitrogen dioxide on May 5th.

Dogs: Exports

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many consignments of dogs were exported from the UK to (a) EU and (b) non-EU countries in 2016.

George Eustice: 80 consignments of dogs were exported from Great Britain to the EU during 2016 with individual health certificates, under the Balai Directive. This figure does not include those which moved under the pet travel scheme. 3886 consignments of dogs were exported from Great Britain to non-EU countries during 2016.

Food: Waste

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2017 to Question 1490, on food: waste, what his policy is on the European Parliament’s proposals to (a) set a target to halve food waste across supply chains by 2030, (b) review making those targets mandatory and (c) introduce a specific food waste hierarchy.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Achieving the Courtauld 2025 food waste target (20% total food waste reduction) will put the UK on course to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal of a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030. I do not consider that introducing further targets would be proportionate. Our experience shows that a voluntary approach is effective, and for businesses it has allowed them to reduce waste and become more efficient and competitive without additional burdens. We will be monitoring progress to deliver Courtauld 2025 carefully.The waste hierarchy is a legal requirement on all those handling waste in England and Wales, under paragraph 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. The Government has issued guidance on the waste hierarchy, which states that prevention of food waste occurring in the first place is the highest priority.

G7: Environment Protection

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations the Government made at the Environmental Ministerial Meeting of the G7 in Bologna on 11 and 12 June 2017; and what contribution he made to discussions on food waste and separate food waste collections.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: I represented the UK at the G7 Environment Ministers' Meeting in Bologna on 11-12 June. The UK was instrumental in achieving key elements in the G7 Environment Ministers’ Communiqué and Roadmap. The UK’s interventions led to the inclusion of text on: international momentum on implementing the Paris Agreement; initiatives to address marine litter; support for the Sustainable Development Goals; and support for commitments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. The UK also influenced the development of the “5-year Bologna Roadmap”, which includes a section on food waste.

Rivers: Pollution

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate has been made of the total cost of incidents of pollution of English watercourses in each year for which figures are available.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Recognising the total cost of a water pollution incident would include all assessment and investigation costs, remediation costs and opportunity costs, as well as the natural capital cost. The Environment Agency does not hold all the information to estimate the total cost for water pollution incidents in this way.

Rivers: Pollution

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many polluters who were offered an enforcement undertaking for polluting English watercourses failed to fulfil their legally binding voluntary agreements.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: None.

Rivers: Pollution

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many enforcement undertaking offers have been made to those who have polluted watercourses in England in each year since 2011.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The number of enforcement undertaking offers that have been made to the Environment Agency by those who have polluted watercourses in England since 2011 and the number of offers accepted are as follows;  Year Number OfferedNumber Accepted  201120 201221 201333 2014133 2015271 20164314 201727 (to date)12 Total11734   The enforcement undertaking will be made to the Environment Agency and they make the decision on whether to accept or reject it. If an enforcement undertaking offer is considered unsuitable the Environment Agency will consider other forms of enforcement.

Land: Contamination

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has plans to reinstate the contaminated land capital grants programme.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: There are no plans to reinstate the contaminated land capital grants programme.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Free Movement of People: Bermuda

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the Government's policy is on allowing Bermuda to maintain freedom of movement in the EU after the UK leaves the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: The majority of Bermudian citizens are entitled to British citizenship under the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 and, as EU citizens, can exercise free movement rights in the EU while the UK remains a member of the EU. This is the case for most British Overseas Territory Citizens.The UK’s offer on citizens’ rights after we exit the EU is set out in the policy paper “Safeguarding the position of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU”, published on 26 June 2017. It seeks to ensure that EU citizens in the UK retain their rights to residence, benefits and pensions, and access to services, including healthcare and education. We have been clear that we expect the EU to apply similar principles to those outlined in our policy paper in respect of UK nationals (including British citizens) and reach a reciprocal deal on this issue.The post-exit immigration rules that apply to British nationals in the EU will be the subject of negotiations, as will the detail of the future relationship between the Overseas Territories and the EU.The Government has committed to fully involving the Overseas Territories in discussions on EU exit to ensure their interests are taken into account. UK Ministers and leaders of the Overseas Territories have committed to taking forward future engagement through the creation of the UK – Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) on European Negotiations. The JMC met for the second time on 10 July 2017, chaired jointly by myself and Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad. We discussed a range of issues of interest to the Overseas Territories, including immigration and citizens’ rights.

Immigration

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to paragraph 10 of his Department's policy paper entitled Safeguarding the position of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, published on 26 June 2017, what additional steps people who have received permanent residence documentation will have to take in order to secure settled status.

Mr Robin Walker: There is no need to do anything now. The UK will remain a member of the EU until March 2019 and there will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens living in the UK, nor UK nationals living in the EU, during this time. Permanent residence status is linked to the UK’s membership of the EU and so will no longer be valid after we leave. Therefore EU citizens do not need to apply for documentation confirming their permanent residence status. We will be asking EU citizens to make an application to the Home Office for documentation demonstrating their new settled status in due course. We will make the process as streamlined as possible for all individuals, including those who already hold a residence document under current free movement rules. Our intention is that the grace period last up to two years, giving people plenty of time to regularise their status. Anyone who would like to find out the latest information, including when they will need to sign up for the new scheme, can sign-up for email updates here.

Immigration: British Nationals Abroad

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to paragraph 45 of his Department's policy paper entitled, Safeguarding the position of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, published on 26 June 2017, what his policy is on preserving the right of UK nationals to move and reside in other EU Member States after the UK ceases to be a member of the EU as part of the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: The Government fully recognises that those EU citizens resident in the UK before the specific date, and UK national resident in EU Member States, enjoy access to public services such as healthcare a, education, employment and housing. We are proposing a reciprocal deal that will protect the right of UK national in the EU to continue to live and work in the EU.This includes the ability to work in one Member State but live in another, for those to whom this applies.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, for what reasons the Government chose its planned cut-off date for EU citizens to retain UK citizenship after the UK leaves the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: Our aim is to provide maximum certainty as quickly as possible for EU citizens in the UK. That is why we are clear that anyone who arrived in the UK before the date we triggered Article 50 (29 March 2017) will be covered by the UK’s proposed approach. And all EU citizens in the UK will have their rights protected under EU law until the date we leave the EU. The specific date will be subject to negotiation but will not be before the date of trigger or after the date of withdrawal.

European Observatory on the Supply of Medical Radioisotopes

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether it is the Government's policy to remain part of the European Observatory on the supply of medical radioisotopes.

Mr Robin Walker: As part of the exit negotiations, the Government will discuss with the EU and Member States how best to continue cooperation in the work of the European Observatory on the supply of medical radioisotopes in the best interests of both the UK and the EU.It is notable that Euratom places no restrictions on the export of medical radioisotopes to countries outside the EU - they are not subject to Euratom Supply Agency contracts or to Euratom safeguards.As we set out in our White paper, ‘The United Kingdom’s exit from and new partnership with the European Union’, we would welcome agreement to continue to collaborate with our European partners on major science, research, and technology initiatives.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Official Cars

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many Departmental Pool Car Services have been provided to his Department since it was created; and what the country of origin was of each such car.

Mr Steve Baker: Since the Department’s creation in July 2016 two cars have been provided from the Government Car Service for use by the Secretary of State and Ministers. One car was built in the UK, and the other was built in Spain.

UK Trade with EU

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what estimate he has made of the maximum and minimum annual contributions the UK will have to make to the EU to obtain full access to the single market.

Mr Robin Walker: We have been clear that, once we leave the EU, we will not be required to pay vast contributions to the EU budget.The Government is focused on securing the best possible deal for the United Kingdom as we leave the European Union. We are approaching discussions constructively and respectfully and are confident we can achieve an outcome that works in the interests of both sides.

Immigration

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to paragraph 49 of his Department’s policy paper Safeguarding the position of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, published on 26 June 2017, whether EU citizens and UK nationals who are not benefiting from healthcare arrangements before the specified date will be able to do so at a date in the future.

Mr Robin Walker: The UK will seek to protect the healthcare arrangements currently set out in EU Regulations and domestic UK law for UK nationals and EU citizens who benefit from these arrangements before the specified date.Healthcare arrangements for future EU migrants to the UK will be subject to the negotiations.

Attorney General

Legal Profession: Department for Exiting the European Union

Jon Trickett: To ask the Attorney General, how many lawyers in the Government Legal Department provide services to the Department of Exiting the European Union; how many of those lawyers have been seconded from outside the Civil Service; and from which firms those lawyers have been seconded.

Jeremy Wright: At present the Government Legal Department (GLD) has 39 lawyers in its Division advising the Department for Exiting the European Union. None have been seconded from outside the civil service. This figure does not include lawyers in GLD who provide litigation, employment or commercial services to DExEU from time to time.

Electronic Tagging: G4S

Jo Stevens: To ask the Attorney General, when the Serious Fraud Office investigation into the G4S electronic monitoring contract initiated in 2013 will be concluded; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: The SFO criminal investigation into G4S and Serco electronic monitoring contracts is still ongoing. SFO cases are by their very nature complex, lengthy and resource intensive and it is not unusual for them to take a considerable time to be concluded.

Banks: Crime

Mhairi Black: To ask the Attorney General, what assessment he has made of the effect of proposals to move the functions of the Serious Fraud Office to the National Crime Agency on criminality in the banking sector.

Jeremy Wright: The Government is committed to strengthening the UK's response to bribery, corruption, money laundering, fraud and other forms of economic crime. The Government is continuing to review options to improve the effectiveness of the UK's response to economic crime, and any measures resulting from this work will be announced in due course.

Wales Office

Welsh Office: Equality

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, with reference to the contribution from the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 2 November 2016, Official Report, column 879, what work is being done to progress work to distinguish Gypsies and Travellers using 2011 census classifications in his Department.

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, with reference to the oral Answer of 2 November 2016, Official Report, column 879, what steps his Department has taken to use 2011 census classifications, including on Gypsies and Travellers, to audit racial disparities in public service outcomes.

Guto Bebb: I refer the hon Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 11 July, UIN 3079.

Ministry of Justice

Terrorism

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoners in UK prisons were convicted of terrorism-related offences; and how many of those prisoners are scheduled for release in the next (a) six months, (b) year, (c) three years and (d) five years.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The information requested is set out in the attached table. The statistics relate to England and Wales only. Other jurisdictions are not the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.



Prison Poplation - Terrorism Related Offences
(Excel SpreadSheet, 37.5 KB)

Prisons: Unmanned Air Vehicles

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many drones carrying contraband goods were seized within prison grounds in 2016-17.

Mr Sam Gyimah: We do not disclose the information requested for reasons of operational security in prisons. We take a zero tolerance approach to smuggling of contraband into prisons and work closely with the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure those caught are prosecuted. In addition, a range of methods to counter the threat posed by drones are being trialled and evaluated for their effectiveness across the prison estate. We have already introduced new legislation to further strengthen our powers, making it illegal to land a drone in a prison or to use a drone to drop in contraband. We have had successful prosecutions due to intelligence led operations and working closely with the local police forces to prevent the use of drones to smuggle contraband into prisons. To date, there has been a total of 35 arrests and 11 convictions of criminals involved in drone activity – resulting in those convicted being sentenced to a total of more than 40 years in jail.

Prisons: Mobile Phones

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many mobile phones were seized in prisons in each year since 2010.

Mr Sam Gyimah: I refer the member to PQ 64325, which was answered on 27 February 2017.http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2017-02-17/64325/ The number of mobile phones and SIM cards seized continues to be too high. We have purchased better quality detection equipment in larger quantities and equipped all prisons with additional portable detection devices to use across the prison. We are also working with mobile network operators to deliver ground-breaking technology to stop illicit phones working in prisons.

Prisons: Drugs

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the street value was of the drugs recovered in prisons in each year since 2010.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The data requested is not available. Data on drugs recovered in prisons is recorded by suspected drug type and weight. We do not record the street value because the figure could vary significantly depending on the geographical location of the prison.

Prison Service: Sick Leave

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many days have been lost due to sickness and (b) what the sickness absence rate was in the prison service in each year since 2010.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Latest figures on the number working days lost due to sickness and sickness absence rates since 31 March 2010 can be found in tables 16-18 in the HMPPS Workforce Statistics Bulletin at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-offender-management-service-workforce-quarterly-march-2017

Solicitors: Public Appointments

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what safeguards the Government has in place to protect donors when appointing professionals as attorneys in the event of the firm such attorneys work for being closed down.

Dr Phillip Lee: When a solicitor’s firm is closed voluntarily, it should make arrangements with its clients regarding any ongoing work, and to arrange for the return of clients' papers and money. If the firm is closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Authority will appoint Intervention Agents to deal with the firm and contact all of its clients. The closure of a firm will not of itself invalidate the ongoing appointment of any of its members as an attorney. The appointment of an attorney is personal to that individual. It is a matter for the donor at any time to remove the attorney, if they still have capacity, or for the Court of Protection. If the donor wished, the appointment would remain even if the attorney moved to another firm.

Prison Officers: Training

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what training is provided to prison officers to support inmates who (a) are elderly and frail and (b) suffer from dementia.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Elderly and frail prisoners receive support from NHS clinical services and local authority social care, as well as from prison officers. All staff are trained to appropriate professional standards for their contribution to care. Supporting elderly prisoners is covered in entry-level prison officer training. Prison officers are provided with guidance on dementia and also receive advice and guidance from occupational therapists and social workers at a local level. We are working closely with clinical leaders and social care services to improve our understanding of the impacts of dementia across prisons.

Prisoners' Release: Females

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that adequate (a) funding and (b) other support is allocated to female prisoners on release from custodial sentences to assist with their reintegration into society.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Community Rehabilitation Companies are contracted to provide ‘through-the-gate’ support to all female offenders on release from custody, and we are engaging with providers about how we can do more to improve the delivery of resettlement services.We are committed to ensuring that the complex needs of this vulnerable cohort of offenders are met as they are released from custody, and will provide more details in our strategy for female offenders, which we will publish later this year.

Cabinet Office

Electoral Register: Students

Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to encourage sixth form and technical colleges to contact electoral offices to provide registration days and ID provision before any future elections.

Chris Skidmore: Although registration initiatives in Northern Ireland are an operational matter for the Chief Electoral Officer, the Government fully supports initiatives to encourage registration among young people. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland continues to implement its Schools Programme which registers students in school sixth forms and also continues to engage with further education colleges across Northern Ireland in relation to holding registration clinics. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland also routinely receives information from further education colleges across Northern Ireland and this information is used to write to all college students not already registered to encourage registration.

Election Offences

Paul Flynn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the findings of Oxford University Internet Institute's Computational Propaganda Research Project into voter manipulation, what steps he is taking to ensure that elections are not influenced by botnets spreading fake news.

Chris Skidmore: The National Cyber Security Centre is actively working with local authorities and will continue to work with Cabinet Office to implement successful delivery of secure elections. Our manifesto included various commitments regarding the media, including the need to protect the reliability and objectivity of information essential to our democracy.

Hereditary Peers

Catherine West: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals for the removal of the hereditary peers from the House of Lords in the current Parliament.

Chris Skidmore: As set out in the Conservative manifesto, although comprehensive reform is not a priority, we are committed to ensure that the House of Lords continues to fulfil its constitutional role as a revising and scrutinising chamber which respects the primacy of the House of Commons. We will continue to work to ensure the work of the House of Lords remains relevant and effective by addressing issues such as its size.

Hereditary Peers

Dr  Dan Poulter: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has for removing hereditary peers from the House of Lords.

Dr  Dan Poulter: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to reduce the size of the House of Lords.

Chris Skidmore: As set out in the Conservative manifesto, although comprehensive reform is not a priority, we are committed to ensure that the House of Lords continues to fulfil its constitutional role as a revising and scrutinising chamber which respects the primacy of the House of Commons. We will continue to work to ensure the work of the House of Lords remains relevant and effective by addressing issues such as its size.

Public Service: Equality

Dawn Butler: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the timetable is for the publication of the Government's audit of public services for racial disparities.

Dawn Butler: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which organisations and groups have been consulted as part of the Government's audit of  public services for racial disparities.

Dawn Butler: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government's audit of  public services for racial disparities has been completed.

Damian Green: The Government is committed to publishing the findings of the Race Disparity Audit and we expect to do so in Autumn 2017. All UK Government Departments and all three Devolved Administrations have been consulted about the development of the Audit. Outside organisations consulted so far about the Race Disparity Audit are listed below.  No.ORGANISATION1.BEMIS Scotland2.Birkbeck College, University of London3.Black Training and Enterprise Group4.BME Health Forum5.Bradford City Council6.Bradford College Group7.Bradford Health and Well Being Board8.Bristol University9.Business In The Community10.Camden Council11.CEMVO Scotland12.Changing the Chemistry (CtC)13.City of London Academies Trust14.Education and Employers15.Equality and Diversity Forum16.Equality and Human Rights Commission17.Friends, Families and Travellers18.FullFact19.Green Park Recruitment20.Hackney Council21.Haringey Council22.Harris Federation23.London School of Economics24.NatCen Social Research25.NHS BME Network26.NHS Yorkshire and Humber Commissioning Support27.Office for Fair Access28.Open Data Institute29.Operation Black Vote30.QED UK31.Race Equality Foundation32.Race on the Agenda33.Royal College of Psychiatrists34.Runnymede Trust35.Sheffield Council36.Sheffield University37.South London and Maudsley NHS Trust38.St. Giles Trust39.Universities UK40.University of Edinburgh41.University of Essex42.University of Manchester43.University of Oxford

Electoral Register: Wales

Hywel Williams: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many eligible electors are not registered to vote in (a) the Arfon constituency and (b) Wales.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response to PQ4512
(PDF Document, 127.61 KB)

Grenfell Tower: Fires

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government has issued any guidance or advice to Sir Martin Moore-Bick or set any limitations or requirements on the terms of reference for the Grenfell Tower inquiry.

Damian Green: The Inquiry is a statutory inquiry established under the Inquiries Act. It is independent of Government. The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference have not yet been determined. The Prime Minister has asked the Inquiry team to conduct a public consultation on the Terms of Reference and make recommendations on what they should cover. Details of the consultation process are published on the Inquiry’s website (www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk).